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UNIDO’s Support to Yilo Krobo Mango Farmers Association Creating Market Linkages through Partnership and Innovation
The Yilo Krobo Mango Farmers Association (YKMFA) is a collective that brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, aggregators, processors, exporters, agro-input dealers, and other indirect actors. With a total of 364 members, the association collectively cultivates approximately 2000 acres of land and yields an average harvest of 5000 tonnes per season.
However, despite their significant production, the farmers in this cluster faced considerable challenges when it came to selling their produce efficiently.
On average, the farmers managed to sell about 2500 tonnes per season, distributing 1000 tonnes to Blue Skies Ghana and HWP AG, another 1000 tonnes to exporters, and 500 tonnes to the local market.
Unfortunately, they experienced high losses of up to 50%, which significantly impacted their costs, revenues, and profits.
Selling their produce to a local processor within the cluster presents an opportunity to overcome some of these challenges by cutting down on transportation costs and reducing waste. Unfortunately, most processors in the area can only handle 300 tonnes of mangoes per season. This means that farmers have to rely heavily on other clients who may not prioritize their interests, ultimately impacting the surplus in the supply chain.
Other challenges include a lack of technical expertise, weak connections among stakeholders, and the absence of certification for exporting processed products.
It was essential to address these issues to improve the sustainability of the farmers' businesses and unleash the full potential of the local processing industry.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) WACOMP – Ghana project has made a significant impact in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in the cluster.
It has particularly focused on improving its sales efficiency and enhancing local processing. This has been achieved through activities targeting both farmers and fruit processors.
The project has provided extensive training covering five modules for participants. These include mapping the mango value chain, understanding the supply chain of YKMFA, financial management, record-keeping, and marketing.
The next stage of WACOMP’s support involved acquiring fruit-drying equipment to improve the processing capacity of businesses like KOBS Farms, a member of the cluster.
This was done to reduce waste, set competitive prices to boost sales, increase revenue for the Association, and meet necessary standards such as FDA registration and the development of GMP standards.
The outcomes of UNIDO's efforts under the WACOMP - Ghana project have significantly benefited the farmers and processors operating within the cluster.
To begin with, the thorough training provided by UNIDO has furnished participants with vital knowledge and skills, enabling them to enhance their farming and processing techniques.
This has resulted in improved efficiency, minimized waste, and elevated product standards, ultimately leading to heightened profitability for the members of YKMFA.
UNIDO significantly improved the processing capacity of the cluster by investing in a state-of-the-art 5,000-tonnes-per-season fruit dryer.
This modern equipment serves as a dependable source for processed products, resulting in reduced transportation expenses for farmers and providing them with a consistent market outlet.
"The project has been an enlightening partner on our cluster journey, providing valuable insights into our specific field of work. This includes actor identification, strategic marketing of our products, and establishing strong connections to ensure the sustainability of our commercial endeavours. Furthermore, the introduction of a fruit dryer to support the project has played a significant role in fostering a sense of unity among our members and elevating the reputation of YKMFA. As a result, our members have become dedicated and are making substantial contributions to the association's operations. This has enhanced our daily processing and production capacity, ultimately creating a more stable market for our farmers and a notable increase in sales and revenue generation,
UNIDO's invaluable assistance in steering the processors towards obtaining GMP certification has brought about a substantial improvement in the local processing industry.
Their efforts have resulted in elevated standards of food safety and quality management, effectively instilling greater trust in their products among consumers.
Furthermore, this enhancement has paved the way for accessing new market opportunities, both at home and abroad.
Global GAP certificate presented to Yilo Krobo Mango Farmers Association Representatives by Mrs. Ebe Muschialli (R), WACOMP - Ghana Project Manager
“The members of our organization have made significant improvements in the quality and yield of the fruits produced for export. Thanks to the collaboration between YKMFA and KOBS Farms, we have managed to reduce post-harvest losses by a considerable margin. The training we received on drying mangoes and adopting improved packaging techniques has had a profound impact on our operations, adding substantial value. This support has elevated our farming practices and has even opened up new markets for our produce,
Moreover, the partnership between UNIDO, other stakeholders, and cluster management organizations underscores the significance of collaboration in advancing sustainable development. Through their joint efforts, these entities have surmounted obstacles and optimized resources to reach common objectives. This collaborative method cultivates a conducive environment for business expansion and innovation within the cluster.
“Thanks to the invaluable support from UNIDO WACOMP, the Yilo Krobo Mango Farmers Association (YKMFA) has undergone a remarkable transformation. Our members have been able to tap into lucrative export markets, leading to a substantial increase in revenue. Additionally, we are proud to have certified 150 of our members, significantly boosting our national recognition. Embracing Good Agricultural Practices has not only enhanced our production but also fortified our resilience in the face of challenges. Through collaborative efforts with KOBS Farms, we have received training on mango drying, resulting in a remarkable reduction in post-harvest losses. This steadfast support has not only elevated our farming practices but has also laid the foundation for sustainable growth." - Jonathan Adabeng, Chairman of Yilo Krobo Mango Farmers Association, shared these exciting developments.
The UNIDO's work under the European Union-financed - West Africa Competitiveness Programme ( WACOMP) project has led to improved operational efficiency, market competitiveness, and sustainability of the cluster's farms and processors.
