3i Industries will collaborate with the Government of Ghana, the University of Georgia (UGA)—located in Athens, Georgia, USA—and the University of Agriculture and Environmental Studies—located in the Eastern Region of Ghana—to develop a rice farm and a tomato-processing factory in northern Ghana. Agriculture is the mainstay of Ghana’s economy, accounting for about 50% of GDP, 57% of foreign exchange earnings, and 60% of the country’s workforce. To improve the socioeconomic well-being and the living standards of Ghanaians, 3i will facilitate improvement of the following:
Most Ghanaian farmers currently engage in small-scale, rain-fed shifting cultivation in deficient soils, with poor use of technology inputs, extension services and credit.
The unique combination of altitude, proximity to the equator with long days of sunlight, and ample water supply—which paired with irrigation would allow year-round farming—makes Ghana an ideal place for significant agricultural production.
Access to profitable European markets and affordable airfreight strategically can allow efficient transportation of agricultural products.
3i has several advantages to help enhance large scale agricultural production in Ghana. These advantages include the following:
3i will promote farmer cooperatives to improve productivity by economies of scale;
Equipment leasing for clearing and maintaining land;
Bulk purchasing of equipment, seed, fertilizer, vaccines and other inputs;
Infrastructure for bulk processing, transportation, storage, distribution and marketing;
Commercialization of cocoa products such as chocolate, cocoa powder, soap, and lotions;
Development of rice mills, tomato canning, vinegar, and animal and fish feed manufacturing;
Partnerships with the UGA and UCAES would allow improved practices like mechanization, irrigation, organic food production, and aquaponics.
