AgroCenta Impact Story

Summary

In northern Ghana, the digital platform Agra Center is revolutionizing the lives of small-scale farmers like Joshua Atanga by connecting them directly to large buyers. By bypassing middlemen, farmers can now sell their produce at fair market prices, increasing their income by about 25%. Agra Center's agents visit communities, teaching farmers to use the app, check market prices, and maximize their output. Founded in 2016, the startup has helped nearly 10,000 farmers, significantly improving their livelihoods.

Takeaways

• 📱 Joshua Atanga, a farmer in Karamaneh, Ghana, has benefited from a digital platform that allows him to sell his produce regularly at fair prices, improving his livelihood.
• 🌱 The platform is based in Accra and is operated by Agra Center, an Agrotech startup that connects rural farmers with large buyers, taking a commission of up to 30%.
• 📈 Agra Center's interest in securing the best prices for buyers also benefits small-scale farmers, helping them to increase their income significantly.
• 👨‍🌾 The startup has assisted nearly 10,000 farmers, enabling them to earn more from their produce through the platform.
• 📊 Agra Center agents visit villages to educate farmers on using the app to check market prices and to maximize their output.
• 📈 By teaching farmers about proper post-harvest practices, Agra Center helps them avoid losses and get better market prices.
• 🏢 The company was founded in 2016 and now operates in 15 communities across 4 regions, with an office in Bolger Tonga for data processing.
• 📊 The digital platform has increased farmers' income by about 25% by eliminating the need to sell to middlemen, who often undervalue their produce.
• 💰 Farmers can now sell at fair market prices, which allows them to support their families and reinvest in their farms.
• 🌐 Joshua Atanga's reliance on the digital platform as a broker is justified by the tangible benefits it brings to his farming business.

Q & A

What is the name of the small community in northern Ghana mentioned in the script?

The small community in northern Ghana is called Karamaneh.

Who is the farmer from Karamaneh that benefits from the digital platform?

The farmer from Karamaneh benefiting from the digital platform is Joshua Atanga.

What kind of produce does Joshua Atanga grow on his farm?

Joshua Atanga grows pepper, papaya, eggplant, green pepper, and other vegetables on his farm.

What is the name of the digital platform that helps Joshua Atanga sell his produce?

The digital platform that helps Joshua Atanga sell his produce is called Agra Center.

What percentage of commission does Agra Center take from the buyers?

Agra Center takes up to 30 percent commission from the buyers.

How many farmers has Agra Center helped so far according to the script?

Agra Center has helped about close to 10,000 farmers.

What services do Agra Center agents provide to the farmers in Karamaneh?

Agra Center agents visit the village to teach farmers how to use the app, check market prices, and maximize their output.

What is the role of the regional storage center in Agra Center's operations?

The regional storage center is where the farmers' produce is collected and then sold to big food buyers.

How has the digital platform helped the farmers increase their income?

The digital platform has helped the farmers increase their income by about 25% by allowing them to sell at fair market prices instead of selling to local middlemen for a fraction of the real value.

What was a major challenge for the farmers before the digital platform?

Before the digital platform, a major challenge for the farmers was knowing the right farming practices and how to sell their produce effectively.

How does the digital platform benefit the farmers according to Joshua Atanga?

According to Joshua Atanga, the benefits of the digital platform are very real as it allows him to sell his produce at fair prices, support his family, and even reinvest in his farm.