Malgorzata Pitura, Programme Officer for the Economic, Private Sector, and Trade Section of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, has reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to enhancing digital farming practices in the country. Speaking at an EU session on agribusiness during the 2024 Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition (GISE), organized by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Pitura emphasized the importance of digitalization in the agricultural sector.
The EU is financing a study implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, which assesses the use of digital technologies among smallholder, medium, and large-scale farmers. The study explores farmers’ access to tools such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, and digital weather services. Pitura noted that initial findings indicate a positive uptake of digital technologies, but she believes there is still much work to be done.
The session focused on “Promoting Industrial Development and Digitalization of the Ghanaian Agribusiness Sector: Challenges and Opportunities.” Pitura highlighted the need for greater attention to remote areas where internet connectivity is often unreliable, as well as to farmers lacking the necessary equipment to connect to markets. She asserted that digital technology is crucial for accessing market information, understanding trends, and receiving weather updates.
“We aim to be the primary partner for Ghanaian farmers in the digitalization of their practices,” Pitura stated, noting that the EU has invested approximately 200 million Euros in agribusiness support programs over the past seven years.
Additionally, the EU is supporting agri-entrepreneurs through capacity-building initiatives focused on sustainable practices. “We select specific value chains to support in terms of sustainability, emphasizing environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. These programs help entrepreneurs minimize pollution and waste,” she explained.
While many programs have already been implemented, Pitura indicated that more initiatives are in the pipeline to further assist Ghanaian agribusinesses. She urged the Ghanaian government to develop a comprehensive digital agriculture policy, advocating for a commitment to digital uptake across all regions. “A well-structured implementation plan is essential to support farmers everywhere in this digital transition,” she concluded.
