In response to the alarming levels of postharvest losses in the Sene West district, the Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (GASIP) collaborated with the Department of Agriculture to address the issue through agro-processing training for smallholder farmers. The objective was to equip farmers with knowledge and skills in simple agro-processing technologies using locally available materials.
The training sessions, conducted in four communities, focused on various commodities such as soybeans, cashew apples, millet, maize, rice, and pineapples, resulting in products like soy milk, cashew apple juice, tom brown, and rice cakes. The approach involved verbal presentations, posters, participatory observations, and practical demonstrations, ensuring active engagement from all participants.
A total of 279 participants, predominantly female, attended the training sessions, with a notable representation across different age groups. Participants expressed understanding of the processing technologies and pledged to utilize the knowledge gained to minimize postharvest losses, improve livelihoods, and increase incomes.
Moving forward, the application of acquired skills will be monitored throughout the year by facilitators and agricultural extension agents. Overall, the training sessions were deemed successful, demonstrating full participation and commitment from farmers towards adopting agro-processing techniques to address postharvest losses and enhance agricultural productivity in the district.
