The "Table to Seed" Concept as A Game-Changer for Ghana's Agriculture

Agriculture stands as a pivotal force in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Dr. Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), underlined the resilience of jobs in the agricultural value chain against AI disruption, especially amidst concerns about widespread job loss. These messages were delivered at the groundbreaking industry engagement forum, an initiative by Industry Immersion Africa (iiAfrica) in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation Ghana and supported by the Ministry of Education through the National Service Secretariat.

The event occurred at the UPSA auditorium in Accra on May 22nd and 23rd of May, 2024. Dr. Nyambi introduced the revolutionary "Table to Seed" approach, a visionary departure from the traditional "Farm to Fork" concept, as a transformative pathway capable of reshaping the future of Ghana’s agricultural sector. The forum, themed "Industry Driving AI and 4IR: A Collaborative Pathway to Digital Transformation in Ghana," successfully brought together influential figures from various industries, academia, students, researchers, and CEOs for thought-provoking discussions.

Nyambi passionately underscored the critical need for African youth to revolutionise agriculture. She proposed a revolutionary concept where our food choices dictate what is cultivated in our fields. According to "Table to Seed," our dining preferences should drive agricultural production to ensure that farming meets consumer demands. This innovative approach, she contended, could substantially improve the alignment between market needs and farming practices, leading to enhanced sustainability and profitability. The conversation revolved around the immense potential of digital technologies to revolutionize Ghana’s agricultural sector. Given the pivotal role of agriculture in Ghana's economy, digital innovations present a golden opportunity to elevate efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

The forum aimed to inspire the youth among the audience to harness the power of these technologies to drive agricultural transformation. The energetic panel featured industry leaders including Thomas Abanga of Abanga Group, Otwiwa Offei-Akoto of Development Bank Ghana, Betty Simawua Annan, PhD, of AGRA, and Fred Kukubor of Farmer Globale. Each showcased how their organizations are leveraging digital innovations to revolutionize agriculture. Their insights highlighted the role of AI, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and other digital tools in enhancing agricultural practices. Thomas Abanga underscored the importance of precision agriculture, which uses AI to optimize farming practices and increase yields. Otwiwa Offei-Akoto discussed the role of financial technologies in providing farmers with better access to credit and financial services. Betty Simawua Annan, PhD, highlighted AGRA’s initiatives in promoting sustainable agricultural practices through digital platforms, while Fred Kukubor shared Farmer Globale’s success in connecting farmers with global markets using digital tools.

Nyambi’s "Table to Seed" concept and the discussions from the forum suggest a future where Ghana’s agriculture is more integrated with digital technology, creating a robust, efficient, and market-responsive sector. This shift promises not only to transform how agriculture is perceived by the youth but also to drive significant economic growth and sustainability in the sector. The iiAfrica industry engagement forum marks a significant step towards a digitally transformed agricultural sector in Ghana, paving the way for a new era of efficiency and innovation.

By: Azure Imoro Abdulai

Development Communication Specialist

[email protected]