As part of HortiFresh’s Cluster development activities towards the vegetable sector, a 1 week interaction session took place in Accra and Kumasi to engage stakeholders in the tomato value chain. The interaction is to aid the collection of inputs from farmer groups to enhance demand driven Agronomy training modules. This training session for the tomato value chain is in collaboration with Looye.

A focus group discussion was held with Tomato market Queens within the Agbogloshie market in Accra, Borlaho in the Kumasi Metropolis, Transporters, Tomato cart Markers, Farmers and other stakeholders.

Discussions with the stakeholders bordered around varietal choice for production, filling of cart with quality tomatoes by separating the rejects. Stakeholders also mentioned the high cost of transportation as a major challenge . 

After intensive deliberations with stakeholders, HortiFresh has identified some avenues to assist such as; training on pest identification, access to certified seeds and improved resistant varieties, post-harvest handling and access to low interest rate financing.

Farmers within the Afrancho, Akomadan and Tuobodom areas were not excluded from the focus group discussions. In the coming months, HortiFresh will intensify cluster activities to help mitigate the challenges.