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S. K. SEFA-DEDEH, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Univ. of Ghana, PO Box LG 134, Legon, Accra, Ghana Tropical fruit and vegetable production, processing, marketing, and distribution, provides employment and contributes to national health and nutrition. In Ghana, the horticultural sector has been identified as an important non-traditional export sector. The total volume of exports has doubled in the last 5 years. The sector faces several challenges including lack of cold storage chain infrastructure, weak internal marketing systems, difficulty in meeting international food safety and quality standards and an overall low level of value-addition to enhance income. The Ghana Private-Public Partnership Food Industry Development Program (GHPPP), a USAID-funded program set up by the Partnership for Food Industry Development (PFID) -Fruits and Vegetables, of Michigan State University, worked with public and private sector players in Ghana, to address some of the challenges and provide need-based training, information and research to the sector. Four core areas of concern included the development of a logistical chain to achieve products of specified consistency, quality and safety; the development of skills and capabilities for all participants in the horticulture supply chain; the provision of technical assistance; and the facilitation and formation of producer associations. The work of the GHPPP has demonstrated that Food Science and Technology research and training are critical in addressing the challenges and can provide opportunities for growth in the sector. In addition, partnerships built on mutual trust and respect can create fertile conditions for improved performance. Work done on the production, marketing and processing of pineapples (Ananas sativa) , mango (Mangifera indica) and papaya (Carica papaya) in Ghana will be highlighted.
Session 5, Exotic fruit and vegetable products from Africa: Utilization and market opportunities
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |