The 14th Annual Preharvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition has officially opened in Tamale, Northern Ghana, bringing together key players in the agricultural sector to promote technological advancement and market opportunities for farmers.

Organized by the Agrihouse Foundation, the two-day event has become a central platform for connecting farmers, buyers, and service providers, helping to shape the future of agriculture in the region.

This year’s conference, themed “Connecting the Unconnected: Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches,” highlights the need for integrating modern technology and innovative practices to create a sustainable agricultural sector. The event showcases a wide array of agricultural products and services designed to empower farmers, improve productivity, and drive economic growth in northern Ghana.

The Preharvest Conference has long been a platform for showcasing the latest in agricultural technologies and practices, and this year is no different. From precision farming tools to digital platforms and mobile applications, the event exhibits how innovation can be harnessed to solve some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. By introducing new technologies, the conference is opening up opportunities for farmers to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve crop yields.

Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, the Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf at the event’s opening, emphasized the importance of the region’s contributions to Ghana’s food security. He acknowledged the challenges faced by local farmers, such as limited access to resources, markets, and modern farming methods, while urging them to embrace technological advancements like advanced irrigation systems and mobile farming apps to overcome these barriers.

Enhancing Market Access for Farmers

One of the primary goals of the Preharvest Conference is to provide farmers with direct access to buyers, helping to create a sustainable market structure that supports long-term growth. By bringing together farmers, agribusiness professionals, input suppliers, processors, and buyers, the event facilitates crucial partnerships and opens new avenues for business development. This market access is vital for farmers who may otherwise struggle to find buyers and fair prices for their produce.

Yaw Frimpong Addo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing farmers’ access to both markets and financing, which are essential to achieving food security and sustainability in Ghana. He noted the role of conferences like Preharvest in strengthening the agricultural sector and emphasized the importance of supporting farmers in securing stable markets and financial support to grow their businesses.

The Agrihouse Foundation, a prominent non-governmental organization championing agribusiness growth and farmer welfare in Ghana, has been instrumental in organizing the Preharvest Conference. Under the leadership of its Director, Madam Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the foundation has continually worked to bridge the gap between farmers and industry players, advocating for the adoption of new technologies and sustainable farming practices.

Speaking at the event, Madam Akosa highlighted this year’s focus on innovation and technology, stating, “Our focus this year is on innovative approaches and technology to advance our agricultural systems, building on our thematic focus of connecting the unconnected.” The foundation’s work reflects a deep commitment to empowering farmers and providing them with the tools needed to navigate a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

By fostering an environment of collaboration and partnership, the Preharvest Conference aims to create an agricultural ecosystem where farmers are not only equipped with the latest technologies but are also supported by a network of industry partners. This support system is critical for the development of a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and market volatility.