FAO in collaboration with the University of Ghana builds capacities of Professionals working with SMEs in the agrifood sector.
Leveraging SMEs for nutrition-sensitive food systems in Ghana.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in collaboration with the University of Ghana has held a 3-day Training of Trainers Workshop aimed at strengthening the capacities of professionals working with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for nutrition-sensitive food systems in Ghana.
In order to ensure food systems contribute to better nutrition, it is essential to strengthen the capacities of various stakeholders to support the adoption of nutrition-sensitive approaches, in particular national government authorities and local private sector entities including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs in the agrifood sector play a pivotal role in making nutritious and safe foods available, accessible, affordable to many low-income households.
The Workshop aimed at supporting SMEs in strengthening their competencies on food quality management, as well as to boost their skills in market analysis.
The workshop is part of several activities developed under FAO’s project Strengthening capacities for nutrition -sensitive food systems through a multistakeholder approach —funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan and implemented in Ghana, Kenya and Viet Nam.
At the opening of the training workshop, the Assistant FAOR to Ghana, Mr. Benjamin Adjei noted that, Nutrition-Sensitive Food Systems is the anchor for achieving various global and regional food and nutrition security initiatives and policies including the SDG 2 by 2030 and the Malabo Declaration III.
He said these targets, however, cannot be achieved without a strong and competent SMEs working in the agri-food sector.
“We are therefore optimistic that this ToT which is part of a bigger program will go a long way to improve SMEs working in different aspect of the Agri-food value chains”. Mr. Adjei added.
“Strengthening SMEs business and technical capabilities is very critical as they are the backbone of the food systems in Ghana playing an important role in the provision of healthy food” says Ms Pilar Santacoloma, Lead Technical Officer responsible for the project.