2SCALE has recently signed a partnership agreement with Faranaya Agribusiness Center, to develop an inclusive and sustainable sorghum value chain in Northern Ghana. Faranaya is a private organisation that aggregates sorghum in the Upper East and Northern Regions of Ghana. It provides input support to farmers in producing sorghum, and also offers them technical advisory services to improve best practices in sorghum production. Faranaya was created in 2010 and is jointly owned by the Presbyterian Agriculture Services and the Wumtitaaba Farmers Association, with the main objective of supporting farmers within the catchment areas to access market for their produce and add value by engaging in primary processing and storing for the same or better prices.
Bold new sorghum partnership established for Northern Ghana
Central to the ambition of the 2SCALE-Faranaya partnership is the collective desire by both parties to spur entrepreneurship amongst farmers and female micro-processors, helping to foster entrepreneurial attitudes towards farming and the development of sorghum-based products as a business.
2SCALE is well-positioned to provide support to groups, individuals and clusters within the value chain of Faranaya to increase their understanding of farming as a business and sorghum-based product development. This is expected to trigger investment in production (both crops and sorghum products) to enhance their competitive edge, development of non-farm enterprises and jobs along the sorghum value chain - as well as further boost market integration.
Additionally, Faranaya seeks to go deeper into consumer markets to diversify its market and lower the risk of having one main client for its sorghum. Faranaya also anticipates developing a range of nutritious and affordable sorghum-based products to low-income markets. This will largely be driven by a lead processor and female micro-entrepreneurs within various communities.
Overall the 2SCALE-Faranaya partnership seeks to achieve the following specific outcomes over the next five years:
• 5,000 sorghum farmers are integrated in the Faranaya supply chain in the next two years (50% of which must be women).
• 5,000 farmers (50% women, 40% male and female youth) are trained in good agronomic practices and business development.
• 6,000 hectares of sorghum are produced under improved ecological management practices.
• 10,000 low-income consumers are reached with nutritious sorghum-based products.
• 100 jobs created for male youth as operators for bullock ploughs
• 5,000 farmers (50% women, 40% male and female youth) increase access to productive resources (seed, fertilizer, agro-chemicals)
• 200 male youth engaged in agriculture input application and distribution as commissioned agents of entities (agro-chemical sprayers, planting, soil testing and sale of Aflasafe).
• 80 female entrepreneurs are supported in the processing and sale of sorghum-based products in and around their communities.
• 20 jobs are created for young men in basic veterinary services to serve bullock ploughing operations.
