http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
connecting smallholder farmers through digital distribution platforms
Ghana is a sub-Saharan African country that has to import agricultural products due to the country's underdeveloped food processing sector, which is failing to meet rising demands. Despite that, the agricultural sector in the country plays a significant role in the contribution of its gross domestic product (GDP). Technological advancements enable farmers to access real-time information about market conditions, product prices, and forecasts about upcoming weather conditions. The agritech industry in the country has enormous potential. AgroCenta is one such agritech company operating in this sector, providing smallholder farmers with opportunities to sell their harvests for a fair price in the market without being exploited by intermediaries. A smallholder farmer is one that is not structurally dependent on permanent hired labor and who manages their production activity mainly with a family workforce. Most of their working time is spent on agricultural/artisanal activities on their own farms or in their own homes. AgroCenta also provides the farmers with information about farming and climate conditions and how it might affect their produce. Unlike the intermediaries, the company continuously communicates with the farmers to solve their problems while supplying to the high-demand market. This case looks at the operations and business model of AgroCenta and some of the challenges it faces in a developing economy where farmers lack access to digitalization.
Jashim Ahmed, Asma Ahmed, Tabassum S. Mazid, Shah M. Sarker.