Empowering Agribusinesses in Ghana and Ivory Coast with Farmerline’s GROW Program

The Farmerline GROW program is a transformative initiative designed to empower agribusinesses in West Africa. Through a combination of innovative technology, digitization tools, and comprehensive field agent support, the GROW program aims to help agribusinesses enhance their profitability and efficiency. Central to this program is the GROW by Farmerline App, which provides agribusinesses with critical digital resources and insights to optimize their operations and achieve sustainable growth.

Background

Recent statistics on agribusinesses and youth employment in West Africa highlight the sector’s significant role and potential for growth.

• Agribusiness Market Potential: West Africa’s agribusiness sector is vast and growing. It is estimated that the agribusiness market in Africa could reach $1 trillion by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing investments in agriculture, which currently amount to more than 10% of GDP per year in some countries like Senegal, where food processing is the largest manufacturing sub-sector​ (Site homepage)​​ (African Development Bank)​.
• Youth of Employable Age: West Africa has a large and youthful population. Approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. This demographic trend presents a significant opportunity for the agriculture sector, as it can absorb a substantial portion of this young workforce.
• Youth Engagement in Agriculture: Agriculture is the primary employer in West Africa, accounting for about 66% of total employment. However, only a fraction of the youth is currently engaged in agriculture due to various challenges such as limited access to land, finance, and modern agricultural technologies​ (Site homepage)​.
• Potential Employment Opportunities: The potential for employment in both traditional agriculture and agritech is substantial. In traditional agriculture, opportunities exist in farming, livestock, and agro-processing. Agritech offers promising prospects, including roles in digital solutions, climate-smart agriculture technologies, and innovative business models that enhance productivity and sustainability​ (Global Affairs Canada)​​ (UNIDO)​.

Investing in agribusinesses, particularly through initiatives like the Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF), which supports early-growth stage agribusinesses, can significantly improve livelihoods and climate resilience. This highlights the critical role of agritech in transforming traditional agricultural practices and creating new employment opportunities for the youth​ (African Development Bank)​​ (Global Affairs Canada)​.

GROW Program: A Holistic Approach to Agribusiness Support

Farmerline’s GROW program integrates technology, digitization tools, training, and field agents to help agribusinesses maximize profits. A key element is the GROW by Farmerline App, an offline mobile app that digitizes business operations and manages sales processes, including crop sourcing, input ordering, inventory, and multiple store management. The app, combined with personalized training and ongoing field agent support, provides agribusinesses the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive. This approach enables businesses to make informed decisions, streamline operations, and enhance productivity and profitability. The program is active in Ghana and Ivory Coast, with plans for expansion across West Africa and beyond.

Empowering Youth for Sustainable Agriculture: Training Workshop for Community Agents

In alignment with World Youth Skills Day, Farmerline recently conducted a transformative trainer of trainers’ workshop aimed at empowering community-based agents, also known as Grow Ambassadors. This initiative focuses on equipping these Ambassadors with essential agricultural practices and techniques, fostering a safe and sustainable farming environment. Grow Ambassadors play a vital role in the agricultural sector, reaching farmers in remote areas who might otherwise miss out on valuable technical knowledge crucial for their success.

Focus on Integrated Soil Fertility Management and Good Agricultural Practices

The training primarily centered on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). ISFM aims to maximize crop output, promote plant growth, and maintain soil health, all essential for sustainable farming. GAPs focus on enhancing rice yields while preserving soil productivity, emphasizing the importance of soil health in achieving good crop yields. The training guided farmers on best practices for soil maintenance, crucial for long-term agricultural success.

System of Rice Intensification: A New Approach

Rice, a staple crop gaining popularity in Ghana, plays a significant role in the country’s food basket. To meet the increasing demand for rice, modern production techniques must be adopted. The workshop introduced the Grow Ambassadors to the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a method that focuses on the early establishment of healthy plants. SRI involves using younger seedlings, maintaining low plant density, enriching the soil, and reducing water waste in rice production. This approach aims to increase yields and improve the sustainability of rice farming, especially under irrigated lands.

Addressing the Demand for Local Rice

In 2023, Ghana consumed approximately 1,200,000 metric tons of rice, with 440,000 metric tons imported, representing 36.67% of the total consumption. This high demand for rice contrasts with the low interest in locally produced varieties, often due to quality issues. The training equips Farmerline’s Grow Ambassadors to train rice farmers within their communities to enhance the quality and production techniques of local rice, which will ultimately impact over-reliance on imports at the national level, boost demand for local rice and support local farmers, who are pivotal in the value chain.

Complementing Government Efforts

The efforts of Grow Ambassadors complement those of Government Agric Extension Officers, providing additional support and expertise. By equipping these Ambassadors with advanced agricultural techniques, the workshop aims to enhance existing efforts to improve farming practices and outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures a more robust support system for farmers, leading to better agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Environmental Sustainability and Productivity

The training areas selected focus on reducing the negative environmental impacts of certain agricultural activities. By promoting eco-friendly practices, the workshop aims to increase productivity and sustainability in farming. This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain an eco-friendly environment while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

The GROW program and its associated training workshops underscore the importance of empowering youth with the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable agriculture. By equipping community-based Grow Ambassadors with advanced agricultural techniques, Farmerline is investing in the future of farming. This initiative fosters a generation of skilled youth capable of driving positive change in the agricultural sector. As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, let us recognize and support the efforts of these young leaders in creating a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Click here to download the GROW By Farmerline app.

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