DIVAGRI holds workshop for students and farmers

A five-day workshop aimed at educating farmers and students on  the agricultural value chain and innovative agricultural practices has taken place at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

Revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural Innovations (DIVAGRI) project is a consortium project that aims to increase the productivity, income and economic opportunities of subsistence and small holder farmers by implementing innovative bio-based solutions that would improve agricultural production, enable diversification of crops and increase value addition, create environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and generate new local economic opportunities.

The project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 Programme to provide farmers with tools to sustainably improve farm productivity, profitability, and resilience through improved management of farming resources, output diversification and creation of high-value circular bioproducts.

The workshop on the theme, "Take Care of Your Life," was part of the Horizon 2020 Framework Program funded by the European Union and organized by Revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural Innovations (DIVAGRI).

Participants, including farmers and students, were introduced to innovative agricultural practices, including converting crop and animal waste into biogas, among other techniques. 

The workshop also covered various aspects of soil improvement and crop production to modern marketing strategies, targeted helping participants turn every aspect of farming into a valuable resource.

A senior lecturer from the Department of Agricultural Engineering at UCC and the principal investigator for DIVAGRI, UCC branch, Dr Francis Kumi, said the purpose was  to empower individuals to start their own agriculture businesses.

 "We aim to empower individuals eager to start their businesses in agriculture, providing them with the strategic knowledge necessary for success. We focus on helping them envision their journey and pursue it to the end,".

Dr Kumi revealed that UCC was currently exploring six different technologies, including mushroom production, insect farming, intercropping, and biogas production.

Beneficiaries

A beneficiary from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute in Kumasi-Fumesua, Theophilus Frimpong, shared his enthusiasm for the knowledge gained for new exploits in agriculture.

 "The workshop has enlightened me about the importance of having a clear vision, values, and goals in my agriculture endeavours," he stated

He said such workshops would significantly aid in enhancing the agricultural sector in Ghana.

He added that his mission was to employ sustainable agricultural practices that benefit farmers and their communities.

A farmer from Mankessim, Mercy Barnes, expressed how the workshop has transformed her perception to farming.

 "Previously, we farmed without any real planning. This workshop has taught us the importance of planning our agricultural activities and improving our communication with clients,"

 Mrs Barnes said she was committed to sharing the new insights with fellow farmers in her area who could not attend the workshop.

Advice

A former  Provost at the College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UCC, Professor Sam Amoah, advised participants to apply the knowledge they had acquired diligently to realize potential benefits, including additional income.

An international private consultant, Nina E. Mapili who addressed the participants

commended the participants for their active participation and encouraged them to continue practicing what they had learnt.