Source: Africa Publicity
UgandaToday: Demeter Ghana Trains 100 Farmers in Tomato Cultivation: A Model Uganda Can Learn From
Pwalugu/Talensi, Ghana – Demeter Ghana Limited, with financial support from the German Investment Company (DEG), has completed a three-day intensive training program for 100 smallholder farmers from Pwalugu and Talensi districts, focusing on tomato cultivation.
The training aimed to equip farmers with hands-on skills to boost yields, improve resource management, and expand access to markets. Sessions covered critical aspects of tomato production such as land preparation, seedling development and transplanting, pest and disease control, irrigation, plant nutrition, harvesting, post-harvest handling, grading, and marketing.
Agricultural experts from the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) and Naara Rural Bank also participated, offering technical guidance and financial literacy support to ensure farmers can maximize the benefits of the program.
Building Farmer Capacity Since 2022
Demeter Ghana has been working with smallholder farmers in Pwalugu since 2022, supporting tomato production through training sessions, extension services, and the creation of a farmer cooperative. The cooperative gives farmers access to affordable inputs, market linkages, and financing opportunities.
Lead farmers benefit from an offtake agreement that supplies them with essential inputs, while harvested tomatoes are aggregated and transported to major markets in Bolgatanga, Tamale, and Accra—helping secure competitive prices for growers. Naara Rural Bank also supports participants by helping them open bank accounts and access credit facilities.
Empowering Farmers for Growth
Speaking at the close of the training, William Hunt, Country Manager of Demeter Ghana Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers.
“Our goal is to ensure that farmers not only have the right tools but also the knowledge and best practices to improve their productivity and incomes. At Demeter Ghana, we take pride in helping farmers build stronger businesses while contributing to the local economy,” Hunt said.
Lessons for Uganda’s Tomato Sector
Uganda, like Ghana, has vast potential for tomato production but continues to struggle with persistent challenges—low yields, poor post-harvest handling, limited market access, and exploitation by middlemen. In districts such as Masaka, Mpigi, and Mubende, farmers often face gluts that force them to sell their produce at throwaway prices.
The Ghanaian model—where farmers are trained in modern techniques, organized into cooperatives, linked directly to markets, and supported by rural banks—could be transformative if replicated in Uganda. With similar interventions, Ugandan smallholders could reduce post-harvest losses, access better financing, and secure competitive prices for their produce.
Furthermore, partnerships between government, financial institutions, and private companies could help professionalize tomato farming in Uganda, turning it into a reliable income-generating enterprise that strengthens food security and supports rural development.
Strengthening Africa’s Tomato Value Chain
Demeter Ghana’s initiative underscores the importance of deliberate private sector investment in agriculture across Africa. By investing in farmer education, market access, and sustainable practices, both Ghana and Uganda can build resilient tomato value chains that benefit farmers, consumers, and their economies at large.
About Demeter Ghana Limited
Demeter Ghana Limited is a trusted supplier of high-quality agricultural inputs and services. Its product portfolio includes crop nutrition solutions, improved seeds, soil health innovations, and crop protection products. The company’s mission is to empower farmers by providing access to quality inputs, training, and technical support that drive productivity and profitability.
Source: Africa Publicity
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