The Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) has expressed its excitement about the prospects of the newly launched Upper West Regional Post Harvest Management Platform (UWERPHMAP).
The organization commended members for the activities that led to the launch of the platform and pledged its unwavering support to the platform towards the achievements of its goals.
The National Voice for Change (V4C) Project Coordinator, Eric Banye speaking at the first steering group meeting of the platform after its launch, said the success or otherwise of the platform which is the first of its kind in the country will depend heavily on the commitment of its members.
He said although selected from different organization, each member must align his or her interest towards the reduction of Post-Harvest Losses (PHL).
This Mr. Banye said will ensure the platform is able to execute its mandate within the expected period.
He advised the platform to stick to pertinent issues and not overstate its abilities or become over ambitious.
This he said can be done by creating and implementing a pragmatic working document while also adapting local solutions to local problems.
Under the Voice for Change (V4C) Project, SNV is working with some CSOs and NGOs across the country among other things to reduce malnutrition among children while helping to reduce Post-Harvest losses in both qualitative and quantitative terms.
The Vice Chairperson of the UWERPHMAP, Libald Sabogu explained that the meeting was to highlight the high and low points of the launch of the platform. It was also to draw a tentative plan of action.
As part of the activities of the platform for the coming months, a comprehensive baseline survey is to be conducted to collect data on the state of warehouses and other storage facilities across the region.
The data collection is also expected to cover key individuals and organisations in the agriculture value chain who can support and influence the decisions of farmers towards proper storage of grains, legumes, vegetables amongst others.
The platform is also to begin sensitizing residents to the harmful effects of improper storage of food produce.
Mr. Sabogu implored members of the platform to give their best to ensure its success.
The Coordinator of the Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coaltition (GTLC), Ibrahim Akalbila observed that it was critical to include the private sector to the platform as it remains a key actor in the agricultural value chain.
Mr. Akalbila said the private sector serves as the market for farm produce from small-scale farmers and as the market determines the standards for farm produce, the private sector will use its inclusion on the platform to educate farmers on proper storage techniques and equipment.
Story by Mark Smith. Edited by Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
