This book reports on a research project that analysed agro-processing firms economic and financial situation in Ghana. The main objective of the book is to provide an empirical evidence for stakeholders in the agricultural value-chain to improve efficiencies in food crops agro-processing in Ghana. The research project, undertaken by economic and financial research experts, focussed on food crops agro-processing firms structure and concentration, ownership and employment characteristics, operational capacities, use of technology, productivity, and credit conditions. It also discusses constraints facing firms in the food crop agro-processing industry regarding standardisation, quality control and marketing. The book categorically outlines the context, opportunities and challenges in promoting food crops agro-processing in Ghana. It also provides a framework that will enable policy makers and other actors to prioritise interventions needed for using agro-processing to rationalise industrialisation, substitute import, create jobs and promote inclusive growth.

This book reports on a research project that analysed agro-processing firms' economic and financial situation in Ghana. The main objective of the book is to provide an empirical evidence for stakeholders in the agricultural value-chain to improve efficiencies in food crops agro-processing in Ghana. The research project, undertaken by economic and financial research experts, focussed on food crops agro-processing firms' structure and concentration, ownership and employment characteristics, operational capacities, use of technology, productivity, and credit conditions. It also discusses constraints facing firms in the food crop agro-processing industry regarding standardisation, quality control and marketing. The book categorically outlines the context, opportunities and challenges in promoting food crops agro-processing in Ghana. It also provides a framework that will enable policy makers and other actors to prioritise interventions needed for using agro-processing to rationalise industrialisation, substitute import, create jobs and promote inclusive growth.

A study prepared by the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

This publication presents an in-depth analysis of the food system in Ghana with the dual purpose of providing an overview of the current situation, and identifying opportunities for leveraging the role of small and medium-sized enterprises for nutrition-sensitive food systems. The data collected and the results of the analysis enhance the understanding of some of the challenges that, in the Ghanaian context, contribute to determining diet-related issues; more importantly, the analysis identifies opportunities and entry points for improving diets by overcoming some of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. The information provided could be of support not only for further analyses, but also for planning interventions and designing policies to improve nutrition in Ghana and in other contexts.

Projects: the "cutting edge" of development; Identifying costs and benefits of agricultural projects; Selecting proper values; Comparing costs and benetits; Applying discounted measures of project worth; Financial analysis cosiderations for agricultural projects; Source of assistance for project preparation.

Published also in French and Spanish.

"Smallholder farmers are the stewards of more than 80 percent of the world's farms. These small family businesses produce about one-third of the world's food. In Africa and Asia, smallholders dominate the production of food crops, as well as export commodities such as cocoa, coffee, and cotton. However, smallholders and farm workers remain among the poorest segments of the population, and they are on the frontline of climate change. Smallholder farmers face constraints in accessing inputs, finance, knowledge, technology, labor, and markets. Raising farm-level productivity in a sustainable way is a key development priority. Agribusinesses are increasingly working with smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries to secure agricultural commodities. More productive smallholders boost rural incomes and economic growth, as well as reduce poverty. Smallholders also represent a growing underserved market for farm inputs, information, and financial services. Working with Smallholders: A Handbook for Firms Building Sustainable Supply Chains (third edition) shows agribusinesses how to engage more effectively with smallholders and to develop sustainable, resilient, and productive supply chains. The book compiles practical solutions and cutting-edge ideas to overcome the challenges facing smallholders. This third edition is substantially revised from the second edition and incorporates new material on the potential for digital technologies and sustainable farming. This handbook is written principally to outline opportunities for the private sector. The content may also be useful to the staffs of governmental or nongovernmental development programs working with smallholders, as well as to academic and research institutions."--