Private sector partners in IPM

Ghana private sector 01: Aqua-Agric Community Project-Ghana

Description: Aqua-Agric Community Project aims to develop and introduce commercial neem pesticide that will not only reduce crop losses, but also reduce dependence on use of hazardous pesticides as well as the content of pesticide residues on export products; increase farmer’s income; help in farmer’s educational program so as to improve their ability to monitor pests, and involvement of women in decision making and program design.

Objectives: 1) Produce an effective, cheap and organic pesticide for the local market, 2) Reduce the dependence on synthetic pesticides with reliable supply of organic pesticides, 3) Increase sustainable and ecological alternatives to chemical pest control, 4) Eliminate and prevent expansion of unnecessary hazardous synthetic pesticides

Activities: 1) Knowledge surrounding neem’s role in crop protection, soil nutrient and grain storage, 2) Development of basic technology and organization, 3) Adequate supply of neem-based products. This can be attained through participatory farmer’s field workshops aimed to train farmers to a) organize practical demonstrations on the application of neem as pesticide and/or fertilizer and b) transfer the technology to fellow farmers and facilitate exchange information on various trials all for the benefit of local rural farmers presently and in the future

Locations: Greater Accra, Northern Region, Afram Plains in the Eastern Region and Awutu-Senya in the Central Region.

Achievements: 1) The commercial neem based-pesticides are now registered in fourteen countries. 2) Despite the high cost and complexity in registration procedure, the demands for safe biopesticides are continuously growing as a result of consumer’s appetite for safe and organic produce. 3) The demand for neem based toiletries products in industrialized countries is increasing.

Partners: University of Ghana, East Legon, Dangbe West District Assembly, Ministry of Local Government and MoFA; Caldor Ghana Ltd, Caldor Trading Ltd (UK) and World Bank Development Market Place (IFC)

Contact person(s):  Messrs   Safu Islam and Wiiliam Ahadzie