Farmer Globale

Farmers at the Forefront of Climate Action – Insights from Sustainability Summit

Kofi — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:47:44 +0000

Farmers at the Forefront of Climate Action – Insights from Sustainability Summit 2024

At the recently concluded Sustainability Summit 2024, hosted by Fidelity Bank Ghana and Business & Financial Times, the spotlight was placed on one of the most critical issues of our time: climate change. In this discussion, Farmer Globale’s Founder and CEO, Mr. Fred Kukubor, delivered an inspiring address that highlighted the pivotal role farmers play in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. His presentation focused on three critical areas: climate-resilient technologies, incentivizing climate action, and empowering farmers through policy.

1. Climate-Resilient Technologies: Transforming the Mindset of Farmers
Mr. Kukubor began by underscoring the urgency for a mindset shift among farmers to embrace new technologies and innovations that can enhance productivity and resilience in the face of growing climate challenges. He emphasized the need for drought-resistant seeds, efficient irrigation systems, and renewable energy sources as essential tools that can help farmers adapt to erratic weather patterns and mitigate the impacts of climate extremes.

However, access to these technologies remains a significant barrier, particularly for smallholder farmers who often lack the financial resources and technical knowledge needed for implementation. According to Mr. Kukubor, overcoming this barrier is crucial for building resilience in agricultural systems and ensuring food security in vulnerable regions like Ghana. This requires both public and private sector intervention to improve access to these technologies and ensure that even the most disadvantaged farmers can benefit from their adoption.

2. Incentivizing Climate Action: The Power of Carbon Markets
One of the most thought-provoking parts of Mr. Kukubor’s presentation was his discussion on the importance of creating sustainable incentives for farmers to invest in climate mitigation measures, such as reforestation and land restoration. He pointed out the potential of carbon credit and offset markets as tools to incentivize these actions. By participating in carbon markets, farmers can not only contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance their livelihoods by earning additional income.

He highlighted the significant growth in the global carbon market, which, according to Refinitiv, grew from US$261 billion in 2020 to over US$950 billion in 2023. Ghana has committed to mitigating 64 million tonnes of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and this will require substantial investments across different sectors, including agriculture. The World Bank estimates that maintaining climate-smart agriculture in Ghana will require around US$2 billion annually. This underscores the need for policy frameworks that encourage farmers to participate in climate action through mechanisms such as Emission Reduction Rights (ERR).

3. Empowering Farmers through Policy: Bridging the Financing Gap
In his final key point, Mr. Kukubor called for a robust policy framework that positions farmers at the center of the climate discourse. He noted that while farmers are key players in climate action, many are still underserved by current policies and lack access to the financial tools they need to make meaningful investments in climate-smart practices.

Africa’s agricultural sector faces an annual financing gap of $23 billion, with many smallholder farmers unable to access credit and other financial resources (AfDB). To address this, Mr. Kukubor emphasized the need for tailored policy interventions that provide farmers with access to credit, training, and financial support. He advocated for policies that ensure farmers are not left behind but are instead equipped with the tools they need to actively participate in and benefit from climate action.

A Call to Action
In conclusion, Mr. Fred Kukubor’s address at the Sustainability Summit 2024 brought to the forefront the indispensable role farmers play in climate change mitigation and adaptation. By leveraging climate-resilient technologies, creating sustainable incentives through carbon markets, and empowering farmers with the right policy frameworks, we can drive meaningful change and secure a more sustainable future for all.

Farmer Globale remains committed to supporting these efforts through our ongoing projects and collaborations with stakeholders in both the private and public sectors. Together, we can ensure that farmers are not just beneficiaries but also key partners in the global fight against climate change.

Enhancing Farmers’ Uptake of Digital Technologies – Farmer Globale’s Partnership with CSIR-STEPRI

Kofi — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:51:28 +0000

Enhancing Farmers’ Uptake of Digital Technologies – Farmer Globale’s Partnership with CSIR-STEPRI

At Farmer Globale, we believe that the future of agriculture lies in innovation, technology, and data-driven solutions. To realize this vision, we partnered with the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), a leading arm of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to launch the groundbreaking research initiative titled Enhancing Farmers’ Uptake of Digital Technologies through Empirical Research, Innovation, and Policy Intervention (EFUDTRIPI) Project.

This ambitious project aimed at increasing access to and the use of digital technologies by both small- and large-scale farmers across Ghana. We set out to study the current level of digital adoption, exploring the role that new technologies play in enhancing agricultural productivity and income. As digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide, our goal was to ensure that Ghanaian farmers are not left behind.

Key Focus Areas of the EFUDTRIPI Project

Assessment of Digital Technology Usage Through our collaboration with STEPRI, we sought to evaluate how farmers in Ghana are engaging with digital innovations such as mobile applications, drones, precision farming tools, and ICT platforms for real-time information exchange. By conducting empirical research on the adoption rates and usage patterns, we gathered crucial data to understand the barriers and opportunities in the adoption of digital technologies.

Impact on Agricultural Productivity and Income Digital solutions have the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector, offering better crop management, early warning systems, and data-driven decision-making. One of the core objectives of this research was to assess the impact of these technologies on farmers’ productivity and, more importantly, how they translated into higher income levels for farmers. This also extended to the increased income generation for ICT4Ag service providers, ensuring that the entire ecosystem thrives.

Development of Data Collection Tools The project also involved the development of comprehensive data collection tools, including detailed questionnaires and digital surveys, designed to capture farmers’ interactions with technology. To ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the data, a team of enumerators was trained to conduct interviews and gather insights from both smallholder and large-scale farmers.

Policy Dialogue and Innovation for the Future Upon the completion of the research, the findings were synthesized into a working document. This research has not only provided critical insights into the current state of digital technology uptake but has also contributed to shaping the future of agricultural policy in Ghana. In 2023, we hosted a policy dialogue workshop, where stakeholders, including government agencies, technology providers, and farmers, reviewed the research outcomes and adopted the findings as a foundation for policy interventions aimed at boosting the digitalization of agriculture in Ghana.

A Future Driven by Innovation and Collaboration
Farmer Globale is committed to building strong partnerships that drive innovation and promote sustainability in agriculture. Our collaboration with CSIR-STEPRI through the EFUDTRIPI Project underscores our dedication to helping farmers access the best technologies and tools available, empowering them to increase their productivity and incomes.

We’re excited to continue working towards our vision of a future where digital technologies are an integral part of every farmer’s toolkit, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods for farmers across Ghana.

Stay tuned as we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture through innovation, technology, and collaboration.

Farmer Globale at the 2022 Ghana Economic Forum – Insights from Our Founder on Food Security and Sustainability

Kofi — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 17:00:08 +0000

Farmer Globale at the 2022 Ghana Economic Forum – Insights from Our Founder on Food Security and Sustainability

At the heart of Ghana’s economic discourse lies the challenge of building a resilient and robust economy. Farmer Globale’s Founder and Managing Partner, Mr. Fred Kukubor, was honored to participate in the 2022 Ghana Economic Forum held at the prestigious Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra. This event, known for gathering industry leaders from various economic sectors, provides a strategic platform for critical discussions and recommendations aimed at enhancing Ghana’s economic fundamentals.

The theme for this edition of the forum, “Building a Robust & Resilient Economy through Technology, Finance, Investment, Trade, and Entrepreneurship,” set the stage for deep insights and forward-thinking solutions on how Ghana can strengthen its economic infrastructure. Mr. Kukubor took part in the important session titled, “Ensuring Food Sustainability and Security: An Analytical Overview of the Planting for Food and Jobs Policy and the Implications for Economic Growth.”

Here are some key takeaways from Mr. Kukubor’s engagement:

1. The Need for Increased Investment in Commercial Food Production
One of the critical points emphasized by Mr. Kukubor was the urgent need to scale up commercial food production. He noted that Ghana’s over-reliance on smallholder farmers, who currently produce over 80% of the country’s food, poses a challenge in meeting the growing demand for major staples. While smallholder farmers play an essential role in the agricultural sector, commercializing food production will help formalize markets, ensuring that food production is both efficient and market-responsive.

By driving investments in large-scale food production, Ghana can create more structured supply chains that meet both domestic and export demands. This shift is key to achieving food security while also contributing to the country’s macroeconomic stability.

2. Shifting from Agri-culture to Agri-business
In addition to advocating for increased commercialization, Mr. Kukubor highlighted the need for a mindset shift among smallholder farmers. Moving from a traditional “agri-culture” approach to a more business-oriented agriculture is crucial. This transformation would empower farmers to operate their farms with a clear focus on profitability, market trends, and sustainability, rather than seeing farming as a mere subsistence activity.

Farmer Globale has been at the forefront of promoting this shift through various farmer training programs, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, market access, and technology adoption to build resilient agricultural businesses that can withstand external shocks and meet market demands.

3. The Importance of Big Data in Agribusiness
Another significant gap in Ghana’s agribusiness sector is the lack of accurate and comprehensive data. Mr. Kukubor stressed that big data and data-driven decision-making are essential for driving investments and informed policy decisions in agriculture. The current data disparity makes it challenging for both government and private sector stakeholders to plan effectively or attract investments into key agricultural value chains.

At Farmer Globale, we believe that investing in data collection and analysis will not only boost investor confidence but also help farmers improve their productivity and profitability. By embracing digital technologies and leveraging data analytics, the agricultural sector can be transformed into a more organized and investment-ready ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Path for Ghana’s Agriculture
Mr. Kukubor’s participation in the 2022 Ghana Economic Forum underscored Farmer Globale’s commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture and food security in Ghana. By commercializing food production, empowering smallholder farmers, and addressing the data gap within the sector, we can collectively build an agricultural landscape that is resilient, productive, and capable of driving economic growth.

As we look toward the future, Farmer Globale will continue to champion these initiatives, working with stakeholders across the value chain to create a thriving agricultural sector that supports the developmental agenda of Ghana and contributes to the overall growth of the economy.

Celebrating Fred Kukubor’s Selection for the African German Young Leaders in Business (AGYLE) Award

Kofi — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:14:19 +0000

In September 2022, Farmer Globale’s Founder and Managing Partner, Mr. Fred Kukubor, achieved an exceptional milestone in his career by being selected among the top forty young business leaders from Germany and African countries to receive the prestigious African German Young Leaders in Business (AGYLE) Award. This significant recognition highlights his visionary leadership and dedication to fostering sustainable business solutions in Africa’s agricultural landscape.

About AGYLE: Building Bridges Between Africa and Germany
The AGYLE program, a joint initiative by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) and Germany – Land of Ideas, serves as a unique platform that fosters collaboration between African and German business leaders. Funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by GIZ and DEG, AGYLE’s mission is to establish sustainable business networks that create long-lasting ties between Africa and Germany. By connecting innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs from both regions, AGYLE opens doors for new partnerships, ideas, and solutions that can propel businesses forward.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
Fred’s selection as one of the top forty young leaders is a reflection of his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to solving challenges within the agricultural sector. As the leader of Farmer Globale, Fred has been at the forefront of implementing programs that enhance sustainable agriculture, promote digitalization, and empower smallholder farmers in Ghana.

Through the AGYLE program, Fred was invited to participate in an event in Berlin, Germany, where he, along with the other distinguished leaders, engaged in a series of workshops, presentations, and networking sessions. These sessions provided invaluable exposure to innovative business models from across Africa and Germany, enabling the participants to explore new strategies for driving business growth in their respective industries.

The program also focused on fostering a sustainable business network that encourages knowledge-sharing and collaboration between African and German businesses. This platform created unique opportunities for Fred to share insights on agribusiness solutions in Ghana while learning from Germany’s expertise in technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.

A Visionary Leader for a Sustainable Future
Fred’s inclusion in this cohort of young leaders speaks volumes about his visionary leadership and dedication to sustainability. As an advocate for commercial food production and the digitalization of agriculture, Fred’s participation in the AGYLE program has further strengthened his resolve to bring transformative change to Africa’s agricultural sector.

At Farmer Globale, we are proud of Fred’s recognition and his contribution to promoting agricultural innovations that improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. His participation in AGYLE not only amplifies Farmer Globale’s work but also demonstrates how collaboration between African and German businesses can lead to impactful solutions that address global challenges.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Network for Agricultural Development
Fred’s experience in the AGYLE program is a testament to Farmer Globale’s commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. By building bridges with other like-minded leaders and businesses, we are confident that the insights gained from this program will help drive the next phase of Farmer Globale’s growth, expanding our reach and impact in the agribusiness space.

As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we remain focused on our mission to create a sustainable future for agriculture through innovative solutions, technology adoption, and partnerships that benefit both local and global communities.

Creating Shared Value and Raising Hope – Farmer Globale’s i-CARE Programme

Kofi — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 17:30:52 +0000

Creating Shared Value and Raising Hope – Farmer Globale’s i-CARE Programme

At Farmer Globale, our commitment goes beyond transforming agriculture—we believe in transforming lives. Through our Creating Shared Value principles, we have made it a priority to give back to the communities that form the backbone of our operations. As part of this mission, we launched the i-CARE Programme, an annual initiative aimed at reaching out to remote communities, vulnerable groups, and the less privileged across Ghana.

In 2021, our efforts were centered on the Shekinah Orphanage Home in Dawa, Ningo-Prampram, where we made a heartwarming donation of essential food items, including our premium Jenisse long-grain rice and other assorted products. This initiative was more than just a gesture of goodwill; it was an embodiment of our core values of care, compassion, and community support.

The i-CARE Programme: A Tradition of Giving Back
Farmer Globale’s i-CARE Programme has become a cherished tradition. Every year, we identify communities and groups that are often overlooked or marginalized, and we extend a hand of support to them. Whether it’s through donations, community projects, or educational outreach, the goal is always the same: to share hope and make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.

The 2021 homecare event at Shekinah Orphanage Home was especially significant. Nestled in the remote community of Dawa, the orphanage provides shelter, education, and care for children who have lost their families or whose families are unable to care for them. By offering essential food supplies, we hoped to not only ease the burden on the orphanage but also remind the children that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

Jenisse Rice: More Than Just a Product
One of the items we were proud to donate was our premium Jenisse long-grain rice. More than just a high-quality food product, Jenisse Rice symbolizes our commitment to promoting local production and sustainability in Ghana. By sharing this with the Shekinah Orphanage, we also shared a piece of our values—supporting local farmers and ensuring food security within our communities.

This donation also reflects the broader objectives of the i-CARE Programme: feeding the future by nourishing the next generation, one meal at a time.

Impact Beyond Donations
While the food donation was a practical way of supporting the orphanage, the impact of our i-CARE programme goes beyond material contributions. It’s about creating a sense of community, showing empathy, and inspiring others to do the same. At Farmer Globale, we believe in uplifting society by fostering relationships based on mutual respect and shared values.

Through our i-CARE initiative, we hope to create a ripple effect, encouraging others in the agricultural and business sectors to take part in similar community-driven activities. By doing so, we not only contribute to socio-economic development but also build stronger, more resilient communities.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey of Shared Value
As we look forward to the future, Farmer Globale remains committed to its principles of Creating Shared Value. Our i-CARE Programme will continue to identify and support communities in need, and we are excited about expanding this initiative to reach even more remote areas across the country.

By integrating social responsibility into our core business operations, we hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of the communities we serve. The Shekinah Orphanage Home is just one example of how our efforts can touch lives, and we remain dedicated to raising hope and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable among us.

Driving Sustainable Cocoa Production in Ghana – A Commitment to Farmers and Nature

Kofi — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 12:14:29 +0000

Driving Sustainable Cocoa Production in Ghana – A Commitment to Farmers and Nature

In the heart of Ghana, cocoa is more than just a crop; it’s the lifeblood of communities, a symbol of resilience, and the foundation of livelihoods. At Farmer Globale, we understand the value of this precious commodity and the people behind its cultivation. This is why we’ve launched initiatives to enhance sustainable cocoa production through innovation and farmer support.

Our Sustainable Cocoa Project, in collaboration with TechnoServe CASA-TAF and Niche Cocoa Sourcing in Ghana, set an ambitious goal of sourcing 100,000 metric tons of cocoa from 100,000 smallholder farmers across the cocoa-growing regions in Ghana. But it’s not just about the numbers. We’re focused on creating real financial inclusion, using digital platforms to ensure that farmers receive direct-to-farmer payments, which also enable them to be part of Ghana’s growing farmer pension scheme. Farmer Globale designed a Cooperative Strengthening Tool and a hybrid extension model in collaboration with the Department of Cooperatives and The Cocoa Health & Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD. The goal was to empower cooperative societies to operate as a business and at the same time ensuring continuous extension support for cocoa farmers.

We provide technical assistance on sustainable agricultural practices, and through enhanced operational efficiency, we’re helping cocoa farmers increase their revenue while conserving the environment. Our vision is clear: empower farmers, promote sustainability, and protect the future of cocoa in Ghana.

Jenisse Rice – Promoting Locally Grown, High-Quality Rice in Ghana

Kofi — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:12:50 +0000

Jenisse Rice – Promoting Locally Grown, High-Quality Rice in Ghana

Ghana’s rice industry is at a tipping point, and at Farmer Globale, we’re committed to being a catalyst for change. Our registered rice brand, Jenisse Rice, stands as a testament to the power of local production, innovation, and community involvement. Through our Growing Rice for Wealth Opportunity (GROW) Project, we have transformed over 1,000 acres of farmland in the Volta Region into a commercial rice hub, providing fully mechanized and irrigated plots to farmers through an in-grower initiative.

This project is more than just about growing rice; it’s about creating jobs and empowering rural communities, particularly young people. By promoting the local production and consumption of rice, we’re not only reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported rice but also enhancing food security. Jenisse Rice, now certified by the FDA of Ghana, is distributed across the country, providing Ghanaians with high-quality, locally grown rice they can trust.

At Farmer Globale, we believe that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. That’s why we’ve adopted technologies like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which reduces water use in rice production, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective for farmers. The climate-smart rice programme falls within a bilateral agreement for cooperative approaches under the Paris Agreement (Article 6) between the Governments of Ghana and Switzerland. The first authorized mitigation activity under this bilateral cooperation has been developed in the agricultural sector with the objective to reduce methane emissions through the management of water in irrigated rice farming. Through AWD application, rice farmers can increase yield, reduce methane emissions, cut water pumping costs, and improve efficiency of water use

Transforming Fruits and Vegetables Value Chains for Export Success

Kofi — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 16:39:43 +0000

Transforming Fruits and Vegetables Value Chains for Export Success

Ghana has immense potential in the fruits and vegetables sector, and at Farmer Globale, we’re tapping into this opportunity by providing targeted support to smallholder farmers and MSMEs. Through strategic partnerships with COLEAD (Committee Linking Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Development), MoFA (Ministry of Food & Agriculture), and FBOs, we’ve implemented capacity-building programs that help farmers improve their yield quality and meet the export standards of global markets.

Our Fruits and Vegetables Improvement Programme focuses on best agronomic practices, financial literacy, and the safe use of pesticides. The goal is to help farmers produce safe, high-quality crops that can access both domestic and international markets, boosting Ghana’s agricultural export revenue. We’re proud to collaborate with organizations like the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG), and the Sea-freight Pineapple Exporters of Ghana (SPEG), working closely with these bodies to ensure that smallholder farmers have access to the resources, training, and markets they need to succeed.

By linking farmers directly to export markets, we’re not only increasing their incomes but also promoting Ghanaian produce on the global stage. The future of agriculture in Ghana lies in partnerships, technology, and sustainable practices—and Farmer Globale is leading the charge.