Burkina Faso's Tomato Surge: A Urgent Reminder for Ghana

Burkina Faso's recent investment in two state-of-the-art tomato processing factories, with a third one under construction, signals a significant advancement in the country's agricultural sector and a potential shift in the regional tomato trade dynamics. For Ghana, which has historically depended on Nigeria(Dangote) and Burkina Faso for tomato imports, particularly during the dry season, this development serves as a wake-up call to prioritize the revitalization of its own tomato processing industry.

Ghana's tomato value chain faces various challenges, including inconsistent supply, insufficient investment, poor infrastructure, and a fragmented approach to agribusiness. This has led to a reliance on imported tomato paste, often from distant countries like Italy and China, despite having the potential to produce and process tomatoes locally. The closure of many Ghanaian tomato factories, such as those in Pwalugu, Wenchi, and Nsawam, exemplifies the neglect the sector has suffered.

The revitalization of Ghana's tomato industry requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses these issues:

1. Investment in sustainable infrastructure: The government should invest in and revive existing tomato processing factories while fostering the creation of new ones that are linked to farmer cooperatives. This will ensure a reliable supply chain from farm to factory and reduce the country's dependence on imported products.

2. Adoption of innovative preservation techniques: Introducing and scaling up technologies such as solar drying at the community level can help reduce postharvest losses and extend the shelf life of tomatoes, making them more viable for local processing and year-round consumption.

3. Support for smallholder farmers: By providing access to irrigation, improved seeds, fertilizers, and markets, the government can empower smallholder tomato farmers to increase their productivity and income.

4. Public-private partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private investors can help mitigate the risks associated with agribusiness investments, leading to the establishment of more robust and sustainable processing facilities.

5. Policy reform and implementation: The government must create conducive policies that favor local production and processing, ensuring that local industries are competitive and protected from unfair competition from imported products.

6. Education and awareness: Educating consumers about the benefits of buying and consuming locally produced tomato paste can create demand and loyalty to Ghanaian brands, thus supporting the local industry.

If Ghana fails to act swiftly, it may not only lose its grip on the fresh tomato trade but also become a market for processed tomato products from countries it currently relies on for imports. This would have detrimental effects on the economy, food security, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

The situation presents an opportunity for Ghana to learn from Nigeria and Burkina Faso's example and take proactive steps to transform its own tomato sector. By focusing on value addition, investment in infrastructure, and support for local farmers, Ghana can reduce its food import bill, create jobs, and enhance food security while contributing to the economic growth of the country and the region.
Write;
Dr Mavis Owureku-Asare
Edited by BBW