Key Takeaways:
- AgUnity has partnered with Wuntira Agri Foundation (WAV) to provide resources and support for smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana.
- The initiative aims to increase market access, particularly for women and youth involved in the shea nut industry.
- WAV serves approximately 2,000 farmers, focusing on cooperative development and sustainable agriculture.
- AgUnity’s digital tools will facilitate supply chain management, traceability, and connectivity with international markets.
Partnership to Enhance Market Access for Farmers
AgUnity, a technology company focused on agricultural solutions for emerging markets, has announced a collaboration with the Wuntira Agri Foundation (WAV) to provide resources for rural smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana. The partnership aims to improve access to global markets and strengthen agricultural value chains through digital tools and training.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Smallholder Farmers
Agriculture plays a significant role in Northern Ghana, where farming is central to rural economies. Despite the area’s agricultural potential, many smallholder farmers face barriers such as limited market access and economic constraints. The partnership between AgUnity and WAV seeks to address these challenges by offering digital tools and support programs that aim to enhance the income and market opportunities available to local farmers, with an emphasis on women and youth.
Supporting Rural Women in the Shea Nut Sector
In Northern Ghana, the shea nut industry is an essential source of income, particularly for women who are primary gatherers and processors. Abdul Salam, founder of WAV, highlights that women and youth in these communities face limited economic opportunities and restricted market access. WAV, which was founded in 2018 and currently supports around 2,000 farmers, organizes local women into cooperatives, helping them produce and market shea products that meet international standards.
Introducing Digital Tools for Improved Market Connectivity
Under this partnership, AgUnity will provide digital solutions to streamline WAV’s operations. Through AgUnity’s Cropslist platform, WAV’s Wuntira Shea brand can connect with buyers globally, aiming to secure fair prices for the farmers. The platform’s features are designed to simplify cooperative management, improve transparency, and enhance traceability, which can help WAV’s members meet international certification requirements for export.
Emphasis on Sustainability and Economic Development
WAV has implemented programs that encourage sustainable farming practices, aimed at improving productivity while conserving the environment. AgUnity’s digital tools aim to support WAV’s goals by offering systems that streamline operations and foster access to new markets. According to WAV, supporting local farmers and cooperatives is seen as a way to encourage economic stability and growth within the region.
A Vision for Rural Development
AgUnity and WAV share a goal of promoting a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural economy in Northern Ghana. AgUnity CEO David Davies noted that the collaboration combines digital innovation with a focus on rural community development. The partnership between AgUnity and WAV aims to strengthen agricultural resilience, address market barriers, and support smallholder farmers’ economic stability within Northern Ghana’s agricultural sector.
