Mangoes are commercially the second-largest tropical fruit grown in Ghana. Increasing consumer demand both locally and internationally offers significant growth opportunities for the sector. It is a means to diversify income for local farmers and contribute to their livelihoods.
However, several limitations across the value chain hinder sustainable production and processing. Among these are limited access to capital, diseases, increasing production costs, as well as inefficient production methods, high post-harvest losses of up to 30 per cent, and limited access to export markets due to certification constraints.
Climate variability and weather extremes, such as prolonged dry spells or severe flooding caused by the degradation of forest reserves also pose further threats.
To help make the sector more vibrant to overcome the challenges and harness the potential, the development facility of eco.business Fund and Fidelity Bank Ghana hosted a capacity-building workshop for more than 60 stakeholders from across the country’s mango value chain.
Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the eco.business Fund, Dr Jens Mackensen, said: “Global uncertainty, climate change and rising food insecurity are three major challenges impacting Ghanaian households. The fund is proud to play an active role in helping to equip Ghanaian agri-businesses with the needed skills to navigate and adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.”
Source: graphic.com.gh