Farmers in Bui Division, North-West Region have been given adequate training on agricultural marketing.

The exercise was carried out by ACTWID KONGADZEM sponsored by the European Union, EU. Opening the seminar which grouped farmers from various parts of Bui, Yaah Losha Bernadette, project Manager, noted with satisfaction that the project titled “Mobilization of farmers for a greater involvement in the marketing and management of agro-pastoral products” which she initiated had registered good results.

This, thanks to the collaboration of the stake holders. She strongly recommended that each and every farmer should work in groups or associations to better their living standards given that most of their time is spent in farmers in the scorching heat of the sun and heavy rains only to be cheated by middlemen known as buyam sellams.

She disclosed that the target of ACTWID KONGSDZEM is to completely reduce the rate at which the middlemen exploit farmers by buying their farm produce at lower prices and worst of all; they are the ones determining the prices of the various farm products.

“Our target also is to see that farmers stand the chance of determining the prices of their products by forming market cooperatives which is the overall mission of this project”.

She thanked PASC and affiliated entities like MEDIPLANT and BAHEP whose representatives were present for the workshop for the wonderful support given ACTWID KONGADZEM.

“My profound gratitude also goes to the Municipal and traditional authorities for their assiduous efforts towards the project.

The workshop that followed lasted for three days during which all the problems that plagued farmers were examined and debated upon.

Stephen Ngenchi, a trainer in agricultural marketing spelt out the objectives of the seminar one of which was to enhance the knowledge of the farmers on the management and marketing of agro-pastoral products. He regretted that many farmers were ignorant. The do not know the exact cost of production; reason why they sell their produce at give-away prices. The solution, he said, is to discuss and come to a consensus.

He also noted that farmers don’t cooperate. He recommended a change of mindset other hindrances to agricultural marketing. He said is lack of an organized market as well as lack of infrastructure. He recommended the putting in place of the necessary infrastructure by the Government to affect the storage of produce. Santa potato farmers have an edge over those of Bui due to availability of storage facilities; therefore produce like potatoes and other perishable crops.

Other problems that affect the production and marketing of agro- pastoral products, he said are bad roads, lack of skill in handling or processing the products. There is also adulteration of products; prices fluctuate due to market forces etc.One of the very important high light of the seminar was a word of caution from the Project coordinator who noted that some farmers wanted to politicize what ACTWID KONGADZEM is doing.

“For 25 years of its existence, ACTWID has remained apolitical. “Love all”. This means all political parties belong to us. Anybody who tries to politicize ACTWID KONGADZEM wants to destroy us.