AFRICA : Wenchi tomato processing

By creating a value-added supply chain linking 520 farmers, together with a processing plant and the manufacturing industry, the Wenchi tomato processing project has managed to promote better profitability for Ghanaian farmers who are now provided with a ready market for their produce.

Two groups of farmers from the Brong, Ahafo and Ashanti regions of Ghana began the project in 2003. The initial focus was training in nursery practices, input applications and harvesting techniques that coincided with the start of production (March to June and July to October). The farmers were supplied with seeds, fertilisers and agrochemicals that were paid for through an Agricultural Development Bank credit facility.

Project manager Afrique Link acquired, installed and tested the Wenchi processing plant equipment, which also included packaging machines and even a forklift provided by project partner Unilever. Afrique Link was responsible for marketing a total of five canned tomato products – paste, puree, chopped tomatoes, peeled whole tomatoes in juice and light puree – both in Ghana in order to replace imports, and also throughout West Africa.

Unfortunately, drought conditions and a reduced supply conspired to postpone the successful commercial processing to 2004. Nevertheless, training did continue in standard operating procedures, management information systems and processing control. The delay even had a positive side-effect, by enabling the partners to establish back-up out-growers in order to make up any supply deficit, achieve quality and ensure safety standards certification. Afrique Link also cultivated 240 acres of company land during the minor to dry season to make up for supply deficit.

The cost efficient technologies and training enabled by the contribution to the Wenchi Tomatoes project have paid off, with the creation of secure livelihoods for farmers and levels of farm employment more than trebling to 1800 workers (including 400 women) and 46 new jobs at the processing plant. Following demands for organic mango puree, the plant put in place a system to process fresh mangoes for sale to food blending and ice cream manufacturing companies. A successful trial production has been conducted with plans made to secure certification as an organic processing plant.

For more information contact BLCF fund manager, the Emerging Markets Group at this address