report on sattifs mid-term dissemination...
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REPORT ON SATTIFS MID-TERM DISSEMINATION CONFERENCE
BY
Prof. Daniel Obeng-Ofori
Dr. Phyllis Opare
Dr. Micheal Lartey
Mr. James Agyei-Ohemeng
Miss Abigail Yeboah-Kyereh
SEPTEMBER, 2015
SUMMARY
As part of the project “Strengthening Innovations and Technology Dissemination for
Sustainable Development in Cereals, Cocoa and Coffee Value Chains in Western and
Eastern Africa” (SATTIFS) in Ghana, a three day Dissemination Conference, Steering
Committee Meeting and Field Visit were held at the University of Energy and Natural
Resources (UENR), Sunyani, Ghana from 27 to 30th September 2015. The objectives of the
Dissemination Conference were to:
Review the project activities in the participating countries to date.
Highlight the achievements of the project, and
Present the way forward of the project to participants.
The participating countries present were Uganda, Ethiopia and the coordinating country,
Italy. The Conference was opened by the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah,
who welcomed all participants to the conference and asked them to have fruitful
deliberations. The conference was chaired by Professor S. Nokoe, Dean of the School of
Graduate Studies, UENR, who observed that the conference was timely in the present
circumstances we find ourselves with climate change issues and other challenges bothering
our farmers and food security. The key note address was delivered by the Brong Ahafo
Regional Minister, Hon. Eric Opoku, who enjoined the participants to be serious in the
knowledge being shared in the project to enhance food security. The Project overview was
given by the Coordinator, Prof. Luciano Cinquanta of the University of Molise in Italy. The
Operational Unit Coordinators from Ghana (Prof. Obeng-Ofori), Uganda (Dr. Martine
Oyeko) and Ethiopia (Mr. Ashenafi Mitiku) briefed participants on their respective activities
and achievements from inception to date. Participants included the project partners,
including staff of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOFA), Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Cocoa
Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), maize and cocoa farmers from Wenchi, Techiman,
Nkoranza, Sunyani, Goaso and Akrodie. All media houses in Sunyani also participated. The
Team also went on a field visit to one of the cocoa farms established during the Farmer Field
School in Akrodie. The Project Steering Committee was also held. At the end of
deliberations, participants were all satisfied with the project update and the achievements of
the farmers so far. The end of project conference is schedule in Ethiopia in September 2016.
Introduction
The “Strengthening Innovations and Technology Dissemination for Sustainable Development in
Cereals, Cocoa and Coffee Value Chains in Western and Eastern Africa” is a project aimed at
building capacity in science, technology, and innovation in West and East Africa to boost food
security, reduce/alleviate poverty and enhance socio-economic development. It is being
implemented in Ghana, Ethiopia and Uganda. It is being implemented in several communities in
the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, cocoa
and maize farmers, artisans, processors and other practitioners in the cocoa and maize value
chains have been identified as key stakeholders to participate in the research and as beneficiaries
of the training and the research outcomes of this project.
The Mid-Term Dissemination Conference organized for stakeholders of the Project and
participants, made up of Directors of Agriculture, Agricultural Extension Officers, COCOBOD,
CRIG, Cocoa and Maize farmers from various farmer groups, Food processors and staff from
Gratis Foundation in Sunyani, Goaso, Akrodie, Techiman, Wenchi and Nkoranza in the Brong
Ahafo Region of Ghana. The Conference was organized to provide stakeholders and participants
with an insight into the objectives of SATTIFS and to expose the participants to activities
undertaken by CITED in the three countries; highlight some of the achievements of SATTIFS to
the participants and also to discuss the way forward for SATTIFS.
Attendance List
NO NAME DESIGNATION CONTACT/EMAIL
COORDINATORS/DIRECTORS/LECTURERS/RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
1 Helena Oppong-Kyeremeh Research Assistant [email protected]
2 Datua Y. Philip MOFA(AEA) [email protected]
3 Akwaboah Joseph Oppong Teaching Assistant [email protected]
4 Enoch K. Nsiah Researcher [email protected]
5 Dr. Samuel Gyasi Lecturer [email protected]
6 Agoura Dianton ACP-Coordinator [email protected]
7 Reno Manoni ARPA Molise
8 Emmanuel Osei-Adade Director, Dept. Agric.
9 Michael Lartey Staff Scientist [email protected]
10 Daniel Obeng-ofori Project Unit Coordinator [email protected]
11 Phyllis B.Opare CITED [email protected]
12 Frank Owusu Baofo FAQU [email protected]
13 Isaac Adjei EKA Foods [email protected]
Martha Attaa-Asantewaa Staff, UENR [email protected]
14 Emmanuel Jesse Sarbeng Teaching Assistant [email protected]
15 Prof. Kaku Sagary Nokoe Dean, School of Graduate
Studies, UENR
16 Simon Abugre Lecturer [email protected]
17 Giorgio Concoli Partner [email protected]
18 Ashenafi Mitiku Operational Unit Assistant [email protected]
19 Luciano Cinquanta Coordinator [email protected]
20 Bernard Adiku MEA [email protected]
21 Prof. A.F. Adekoya Ag. Director IT
Directorate, UENR
22 Ameli Atti Engineer, GRATIS [email protected]
23 Selorm A. Ankudey ICT Assistant, UENR [email protected]
24 Grace Okikor Operational Unit Assistant [email protected]
25 Martine Nyeko Operation Unit
Coordinator
26 Charles Acheampong CEA [email protected]
27 Owusu Boahui MOFA, Wenchi [email protected]
28 Samuel Adomah AFA, MOFA
29 Francis Attiogbe Lecturer [email protected]
30 E. K. Adjei EKA Food
31 Helen Agyei EKA Food [email protected]
32 Edward Annoh Teaching Assistant
33 Frank Musah Teaching Assistant [email protected]
34 Richmond Oduro Research Assistant [email protected]
35 Kojo Krampah Research Assistant [email protected]
36 Akuri Yakubu Nuhu Research Assistant
37 S.Y. Kwarteng Director of Agriculture [email protected]
38 Felicia Fosuhene MOFA [email protected]
39 Matilda Asafo-Agyei MOFA
40 Divine Aleley UENR [email protected]
41 Benedicta Gborglah GREENA, UENR [email protected]
42 Irene Djabatey URO,UENR [email protected]
43 Adjeitey Mensah T.M. UENR [email protected]
44 Albert Tweneboah UENR [email protected]
45 Francis Dwomoh MOFA
FARMERS
46 Thomas Kontor 024179231
47 Bartholomew Tawia 0201017975
48 Hajia Baffa 0540255715
49 Francis Ayarmah 024473007
50 Rose Brayah 0549645422
51 Akwasi Adusei 0248371701
52 Comfort Danso 0200957686
53 Asamoah Acheampong 0246396429
54 Adjei Manu 0260591059
55 Fabiianu Tigbee 0247997719
56 Jonathan Nsor 0246930022
57 Elizabeth Abisa
58 Gladys Abena 0243557646
59 Felicia Apao 0247199119
STUDENTS
60 Emmanuel Adu-Ofori Student [email protected]
61 Nana Mbrah Nyanney Student [email protected]
62 Kenneth Aboagye Quayson Student [email protected]
63 Grace B. Badu-Mensah Student [email protected]
64 Matthew Ayaaba Student [email protected]
65 Adrian Mallory Student [email protected]
66 Dennis Owusu Student [email protected]
67 Richard Yeboah Student [email protected]
68 Pius Apraku Student [email protected]
69 David K. Acheampong Student [email protected]
70 Abapori Ebenezer Student [email protected]
71 Emmanuel Boateng Student [email protected]
72 Jeffery Nketiah Student [email protected]
73 Nana Domme Kwako
Owusu
Student [email protected]
74 Gordon Kwame Kuma Student [email protected]
75 Kobenan Ouattara Student [email protected]
76 Mike Ocran Student [email protected]
77 Nana Kwadwo Koranteng Student [email protected]
78 Bismark Dadzie Student [email protected]
79 Ali Sandoo Oscar Student [email protected]
80 Abdul Razak Tahir Student [email protected]
81 Thomas K. Tiesim Student [email protected]
82 Edward Brobbey Student [email protected]
83 Ibrahim Najeeb Student [email protected]
84 Josephine Dakura Student 0541811832
85 Josephine Adjei Boaitey Student Jaboaitey@gmail
86 Simon Ago Narh Student [email protected]
87 Christopher Heflide L. Student [email protected]
88 James A. Ankamah Student [email protected]
89 Patrick Brenya Student [email protected]
90 Prince Apetorgbor Student [email protected]
91 Alexander Frimpong Student
92 Nicholas Miwornunyuie Student [email protected]
93 Daniel Adusu Student [email protected]
94 John Afful Essuman Student [email protected]
95 Eric Baidoo Student [email protected]
96 Victor Ayimboara Student [email protected]
97 Bismark Dzineku Student [email protected]
98 Wonders Okpati Student [email protected]
99 Theophilus Asakpo Koshi Student [email protected]
100 Lawrence Aberba Student [email protected]
101 Clement Sasah Student [email protected]
102 Richmond Asante Student [email protected]
103 Wisdom Asiamah Akwasi Student [email protected]
104 Ernest C. Amrago Student
105 Etriakor K. Gbordzoe Student [email protected]
106 Evans Etor Asimah Student [email protected]
107 Emmanuel Adomako Student [email protected]
108 Evans Gyapong Student [email protected]
109 Samuel Kofi Yeboah Student [email protected]
110 Luther Kusi Student [email protected]
111 Enoch Oppong Student [email protected]
112 Frederick Mensah Student [email protected]
113 Philip Aidoo Student [email protected]
114 Osman Abekah Student [email protected]
115 Emmnauel Owusu Mensah Student [email protected]
116 Dennis Yankey Student [email protected]
117 Thomas Kwame Fosu Student [email protected]
118 Theophilus Amedzro Student [email protected]
119 Bismark Doku Student [email protected]
120 Kwadwo Marfo Obeng Student [email protected]
121 Prince Kwabena Boakye Student [email protected]
122 Benjmain Okugyei Student [email protected]
123 Jonathan Opoku Student [email protected]
124 Mohammed Issaka Student [email protected]
125 Bismark K. Appiah Student [email protected]
126 Thomas Mensah Student [email protected]
127 Isaac Yav Buah Student [email protected]
128 Prince Adade Danso Student [email protected]
129 Benjamin Bampoh Affum Student [email protected]
130 Comfort Atanga Student
131 Frank Alhassan Student [email protected]
132 Chritsopher Atta Student [email protected]
133 Julius Agongo Student [email protected]
134 Samuel Owusu Student
135 Emmanuel Owusu Student [email protected]
136 Nathaniel Asiedu Student [email protected]
137 Samuel Asante Student [email protected]
138 Sule Musah Student [email protected]
139 Brilliant Kpodo Student [email protected]
140 Gideon A. Owusu Student [email protected]
141 Clifford Ofous Adjei Student [email protected]
142 Edward K. Mounaah Student [email protected]
143 Isaac Eminent Student [email protected]
144 Grace Yebaoh Student [email protected]
145 Akua Danfuah Boatemaa Student [email protected]
MEDIA
146 Freda Abban GTV News Crew [email protected]
147 Chris Loliga GTV News Crew
148 Henry Effah GTV News Crew
149 Biiya Mukusah Ali Reporter, GBC [email protected]
150 Daniel Y. Dayee Reporter, Metro TV [email protected]
151 Kofi Oppong Asamoah Enews Editor,Sky FM [email protected]
152 Kofi Ansu Reporter, Public Agenda [email protected]
153 Joseph Okine Space FM [email protected]
154 Mark Asante Metro TV [email protected]
155 Emmanuel Sakyi Vision
156 Nana Osei Kyeretwie Regional Manager , Ghana
News Agency
157 Odeneho Appiah Editor, J.Life FM [email protected]
158 Gordon Walter Seade Regional Reporter,Viasat 1
TV
Opening Ceremony of the Dissemination Conference
The Mid-term dissemination conference was held on September 29, 2015 at the Auditorium of
UENR, Sunyani, Ghana and chaired by Professor S. Nokoe of the School of Graduate Studies,
University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and was opened by the Vice Chancellor, of
UENR, Prof. (Mrs.) Esi Awuah. Professor Nokoe in accepting to chair the function reiterated the
strategic importance of all efforts aimed at reducing hunger and improving food security. The
Chairman’s address was followed by a welcome address by Prof. (Mrs) Esi Awuah, the Vice-
Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Sunyani. She also
expressed her appreciation for the impacts the SATTIFs project is having on local farmers and
consequently on Ghana socioeconomic development. She welcomed all participants and
encouraged students and staff to participate actively in the days’ events as well as the activities
of the project. The key note address was given by Mr. Fritz Mensah, the representative of the
Brong Ahafo Regional Minister.
Figure 1: Dr. Phyllis B. Opare, Operational Unit Assistant at UENR introducing the
Chairman for the Opening Ceremony
Figure 2: The Conference Chairman (Prof. Nokoe) and the Vice-Chancellor (Prof. Mrs. Esi
Awuah delivering their addresses.
Figure 3: Mr Fritz M. Mensah, reading a speech on behalf of the Regional Minister
The Regional Minister emphasized that the high agricultural growth can only be realized through
modernisation and diversification, driven by public and private investment in the agriculture
sector. He also mentioned that one area the government of Ghana is seriously and vigorously
pursuing is encouraging public-private partnership in agro-business.
The Opening Ceremony was ended with a Vote of Thanks by Rev. Dr. Phyllis Opare.
Project Highlights in Ghana, Uganda and Ethiopia
Presentations on the project were made by the respective Operational Unit Coordinators from
Ghana, Uganda and Ethiopia on their activities to date and some of the farmers also gave their
experiences with the project.
Figure 4: Project Coordinator, Prof. L. Cinquanta (left) and Prof. Obeng-Ofori (right), Unit
Coordinator in Ghana giving their presentations
The Project Coordinator Prof. Cinquanta emphasized that he was satisfied with the working
relationships among the participating countries and the establishment of the respective
Centers for Innovation and Technology Dissemination (CITED) in all the SATTIFS regions.
He was also satisfied with the improved knowledge, skills and attitudes about various
appropriate technologies that have helped improve productivity and food safety amongst the
various farming groups in the target regions.
Figure 5 Unit Coordinators from Uganda, Dr. Martine Oyeko (left) and Ethiopia, (Mr.
Ashenafi Mitiku (right) giving updates on the progress of the project
The conference was very interactive with participants asking questions about the project
activities and expectations.
Figure 6: Participants contributing to discussions at the conference
Figure 7: Participants listening to presentations
Figure 8: Some of the Conference Participants
Figure 9: Participants contributing to discussions during the Conference
Field Visit
On September-2015, the team then went on a field visit to one of the cocoa farms established
during the Farmer Field School in Akrodie, where they interacted with the farmer. The farmer
showed her appreciation to the SATTIFS team. She explained that the new techniques the project
team has exposed her were yielding good results.
Figure 10: Project team members in the Cocoa Farm in Akrodie
Figure 11: Farmer collecting fermented cocoa beans for drying
MINUTES OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 30TH 2015 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES, SUNYANI, GHANA
OPENING
The project Coordinator Professor Luciano Cinquanta opened the meeting at 10:00 am by giving
a brief status report on the project in the three countries.
The Coordinator informed members that the 2nd Dissemination Conference at UENR was
very successful with positive feedback from participants.
It was brought to the attention of members that Prof. Daniel Obeng-Ofori has been given
oversight responsibility of project activities in Ethiopia to help them quickly work to
achieve the project objectives. Because of another commitment to travel to Italy he was
unable to go to Ethiopia immediately, however, the UNIMOL team in Ghana was going
to stop over in Ethiopia for a brief visit before returning home.
Prof. Cinquanta also inquired about the status of equipment that had been shipped to
various partners.
Partners from GULU in Uganda reported that they had taken delivery of all shipments to
date
Partners in Ghana reported that clearing the equipment have delayed because the
shipment documents were sent in very late and they were in Italian and had to be
translated officially into English.
After this the partners were given the opportunity to brief the committee on the status of
the project in their own countries.
GHANA
Ghana began by stating all the task actions that had been completed and which ones were
on-going;
The CITED has been successfully created with all staff trained and necessary equipment
procured for its smooth running. The inventory of potentially exploitable knowledge and
technologies has been completed. Also the stakeholder workshops to carry out selection
of potential technologies and innovations had been completed successfully.
The field trials for the validation of selected technologies in maize begun in the minor
season in 2014 and were still ongoing. Farmer field school and field trials were combined
and begun in the minor season of 2014 for maize and major season in 2015 for cocoa.
Trainer of Trainers for the Farmer Field Schools has been conducted for 25 participants
comprising farmers, agricultural extension officers, and food processors. However, the
training and facilitation of mechanics, artisans and blacksmiths to support the proven
appropriate technologies is yet to be done.
On visibility actions and dissemination events, Press releases and dissemination of
products had been done and others are on-going. Several newspaper articles and a press
soiree with extensive radio and TV coverage has been done. The manuals on the selected
technologies are being finalized. Additionally, the mid-term dissemination conference
was another dissemination event organized with more in the pipeline. Some of the issues
raised by Ghana included;
The need to streamline and find a more efficient way of shipping equipment.
The Operational Unit Coordinator also asked for copies of reports sent to Brussels to
be given to individual partners.
STI Network
The ACP Coordinator and Operation Unit Assistant in Ghana reported on the status of the
inter institutional networking
Several partners have been identified in Ghana and Uganda who have all agreed to the
STI manifesto. Members resolved to increase the sharing of information through the use
of cloud storage for all reports and deliverables to be shared with partners. They also
agreed to find more ways to make the network more efficient.
UGANDA
The team from Uganda indicated that they had procured PCs and 2 projectors for the
CITED office. They have also obtained 7 rice seeders and weeders, 6 of which are going
to the farmers and one kept at the CITED office for demonstration. They further reported
that they had received all the ELISA kit and its consumables sent to them; however the
kit got damaged at the port.
They have organized 3 TOTs on aflatoxins and f1 on food safety to date. They had also
conducted one artisan/mechanic training with one more scheduled in November on Post-
Harvest technology management.
The Uganda team indicated that they were yet to procure an oxen for the field work and
were preparing a proposal to that effect, they also intend to purchase 2 small-scale rice
reaper and threshers. They would soon begin the field trials of the technologies they had
identified.
They further informed the committee that they had two graduate students working with
them on the project, one of them concentrating on mycotoxin prevalence and the other
working on the field equipment trials.
Challenges at Gulu – they were of the opinion that some of the activities needed to be
undertaken were not exactly spelled out in the grant project document budget, and some
important activities had less money assigned to them. They therefore sought the SCs
permission to divert more funds to critical areas.
ETHIOPIA
Partners from Ethiopia shared with the committee the locations identified as possible sites
for the SATTIFS project. However, they were yet to assess and prioritize these areas.
They indicated that they had experience and expert staff to participate in the project.
The Operational Unit Coordinator indicated their willingness to learn from their
Ghanaian counterparts. They also indicated that they were still waiting for the
disbursement of funds to enable them begin field work.
The other partner from the Catholic church explained to the committee that in Ethiopia
the church is considered a non-profit or Non-Governmental Organization, so the diocese
actually recruited the University for the SATTIFs project and that they would work
together to achieve the aims and objectives of the project.
ARPA MOLISE
Dr. Manoni indicated that ARPA was collaborating with the partners on this project on
the chemical analysis and safety aspects.
ARPA Molise reported that studies made at Gulu showed that they need a new ELISA kit
for the micro toxin analysis to replace the damaged one. However, it appears that they
have systems in place to be a centre for testing and certification of micro toxins in
cereals.
The UENR laboratory was not yet fully functional for the micro toxin analysis. It was
recommended that a graduate student should be recruited to run the analysis. The team
was impressed with student participation in the aflatoxin analysis training in Ghana.
ARPA was yet to conduct an assessment in Ethiopia
ACP REPORT
The ACP coordinator reiterated that at the last SC meeting Prof. Daniel Obeng-Ofori was
given additional responsibility over Ethiopia.
He noted that there appears to be limited activities in certain areas among the partners, for
instance Gulu needs to increase farmer participation while UENR needs to upgrade its lab
and begin work with artisans and mechanics.
Gulu he noted had done great job on laboratory work with excellent collaboration with
the University of Naples.
UENR had excellent farmer participation and high visibility of the project in Ghana.
FORMALISATION OF STI NETWORK
With the initial contacts and a list of partners obtained, the lead partners in this activity
are to plan more activities to foster the partnership. We could add the links to our
partners’ websites on the project site and vice versa.
The ACP Coordinator asked for improved communication between the ACP countries to
facilitate more exchange of ideas.
CLOSING
In bringing the meeting to a close, the Coordinator informed the SC that there had been a new
Horizon Call and wanted to know if partners would be interested in collaborating to access the
funds for similar projects? All partners expressed their willingness to do so. The meeting came to
a close about 11:10 am.