GhanaVeg Graduates 20 Vegetable Trainers

20 Agronomists have been certified by GhanaVeg through Wageningen University & Research for successfully graduating from the first GhanaVeg Agronomy Training of Trainers. The Graduation ceremony took place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on February 16, during the GhanaVeg Business Platform Meeting. Certificates were handed out to the graduates by the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Ron Strikker. The training assists the agronomists to train a at least 2.000 farmers in their localities; increasing their yields and incomes.

 The GhanaVeg Agronomy training has been designed to improve farmer productivity and post-harvest management. The 1-year in-depth Training Course focused on 6 key areas: seedling production, crop protection, spray techniques, irrigation and fertilization, production planning and adult learning. The Senior Agronomy Trainer from Wageningen University & Research Centre, Herman de Putter, told the audience that “through following the steps of the GhanaVeg Course farmers can easily double their vegetable production while using the same amount of land. It’s all about getting the basics right!”

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Ron Strikker, especially highlighted the role of the private sector in achieving growth. Because most of the agronomists are employed by Ghanaian input supply, wholesale or export companies they can be the driver for change in the vegetable sector. He also stressed that a healthy diet starts with fruits and vegetables. In the coming years Ghana’s vegetables sector will grow faster than the Ghanaian economy because the population will understand the nutrition and health benefits.” Already a second batch of Trainers are being trained at the moment; with 30 of them currently enrolled in the 2017 Programme. Together with the first batch they are working with 5.000 farmers. For the coming years a further expansion is envisaged towards 200 vegetable agronomy trainers that are working with at least 15.000 farmers.