Part of Ghana's plan for horticultural sustainability includes the launch of government-supported pilot demonstration farms: Establish about 10 aeroponic demonstration sites in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, and one coastal agro-ecological zone. Each should be linked to institutional buyers such as the school feeding programmes, hospitals, supermarkets, and hospitality suppliers, to ensure stable revenues and generate real-world data.
Develop blended financing options: Government, development partners, and banks can collaborate to provide partial grants, medium-term leasing options, and working capital loans tied to purchase contracts. This blended financing model will reduce the cost burden on agripreneurs.
Build local capacity: Universities, polytechnics, and agricultural colleges should introduce certification programmes in controlled-environment agriculture, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of operating and managing systems efficiently.
Establish clear food safety and quality standards: The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should set standards and regulatory clarity to enhance consumer confidence in aeroponically grown produce.
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