Programme Officer for Economic, Private Sector, and Trade at the EU Delegation to Ghana, Malgorzata Pitura, has reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to advancing digital farming practices in Ghana.
She explained that the EU recognizes the potential for further digitalization in Ghana’s farming sector, which led to the funding of a study conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
“That is why we have come up with a study financed by the EU and implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.”
“The study has analyzed small holder, medium holder and large-scale holder farmers as regards the level of use of digital technologies, the use of computers, laptops, mobile phones, and other technologies such as digital weather checks.”
Speaking at the EU’s agribusiness session, held alongside the 2024 Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition (GISE) by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Pitura highlighted the research findings, showing that while digital adoption has started, much more can be achieved.
The session was themed “Promoting industrial development and digitalization of the Ghanaian agribusiness sector: challenges and opportunities”
Madam Pitura emphasized the need for increased focus on remote areas where internet connectivity is inconsistent. She highlighted that many farmers lack the necessary tools to connect with markets. She noted that digital technology plays a vital role in facilitating market access, keeping farmers informed about the latest trends, and providing crucial weather updates.
“This is why we want to be the prime partner of the Ghanaian farmers in digitalization of the farming practices”
Madam Pitura emphasized the need for increased focus on remote areas where internet connectivity is inconsistent.
She highlighted that many farmers lack the necessary tools to connect with markets. She noted that digital technology plays a vital role in facilitating market access, keeping farmers informed about the latest trends, and providing crucial weather updates.
“We often choose specific value chains to support regarding sustainable practices. Sustainability is about going green or going environmentally friendly or social sustainability. These programmes usually relate to showing the entrepreneurs what they can do to limit pollution, to limit the waste.”
She noted that many of these programs have already been launched, with additional initiatives in development, as they look forward to supporting Ghanaian agri-businesses.
Madam Pitura urged the Government to make a digital agriculture policy, saying “in my view digital uptake would be the best. It should be something that the government is seriously committed to and must produce a proper implementation plan for every region. So that farmers everywhere are helped and supported in this regard.”