The 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition has been officially launched with an emphasis on innovation and inclusivity as key drivers for progress in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Scheduled for October 29th-30th, 2024, at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, this year’s event is themed “Connecting the Unconnected – Accelerating Buyer Connectivity to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses.” This conference serves as a vital platform for farmers and agribusinesses to engage with cutting-edge technologies that can enhance their market linkages and farming practices. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted the event’s goal of reducing post-harvest losses while encouraging sustainability and increased agricultural yields.
Ms. Akosa stressed the transformative power of innovative approaches in modern farming, underscoring how they could directly contribute to alleviating hunger and enhancing food security in Ghana. With agriculture being a cornerstone of the country’s economy, the conference aims to showcase the latest advancements such as precision farming techniques, drone technologies, and export quality standards. These developments not only help improve productivity but also foster collaborations across various agricultural sectors. The commitment to innovation and collaboration is essential, particularly as rising challenges in farming practice persist, and partnerships with public and private entities become pivotal in maximizing initiatives like the Pre-Harvest event.
In her remarks, Alberta Akosa also outlined plans for hands-on training sessions and a strategic farmer-to-farmer apprenticeship program at the conference, which would enable participants to adopt best practices directly from experienced peers. The event will also facilitate farmer-to-buyer dialogue sessions that aim to connect producers with potential buyers, thereby enhancing market access and opportunities for growth. The breakout sessions will cover key crops like maize, rice, sorghum, soybeans, cowpea, and tubers, aligning them with sustainable growth strategies vital for the agricultural sector’s future.
Adding to the conference’s significance, Sarah Rüffler, Commission Manager for GIZ, praised Agrihouse Foundation for its efforts in bridging the gap between farmers, agribusinesses, and technology providers. Rüffler noted the European Union Agricultural Program’s (EUGAP) sponsorship of the event, which aligns with ongoing efforts to address pressing food security challenges exacerbated by the current drought in northern Ghana. She showcased two significant projects that reflect EUGAP’s commitment to sustainable agriculture— a seed traceability system and a biopesticide initiative that works with women farmers. Rüffler reinforced the need for farmers to leverage opportunities created through the conference to foster collaboration and embrace innovative solutions for future agricultural practices.
Mr. Christopher Gaitu, the Deputy Director of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate, echoed the sentiments on the importance of technology and innovation, stating that the future of agriculture heavily relies on these assets for sustainable growth. He articulated that innovative approaches are critical in enhancing crop yields, protecting against pest threats, and addressing climate change challenges. Gaitu called for an inclusive strategy to ensure that these technologies are accessible to all farmers, regardless of their operational scale or geographical location. He also lauded the Agrihouse Foundation for its steadfast dedication to advancing the agricultural sector in Ghana, which has positioned the Pre-Harvest Conference and Exhibition as a key fixture in the country’s agricultural calendar.
The exhibition, in partnership with significant stakeholders such as YARA Ghana, Ecobank, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), is expected to feature over 100 exhibitors and attract thousands of participants nationwide. It symbolizes a critical junction for stimulating discussions on agricultural innovations and sharing practical solutions to existing challenges in the sector. By focusing on connectivity and inclusivity, the conference aims to harness the collective potential of farmers and agribusinesses to transform the agricultural landscape of Ghana, ensuring enhanced food security and sustainability for the future. This collaborative effort envisions a thriving agricultural environment that prioritizes technological advancement and productive partnerships to catalyze significant progress in the field.
