TECHNOLOGY IN AGRIBUSINESS IN GHANA
A PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA BUSINESS SCHOOL,
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON
AUGUST,2022
NAME
STUDENT ID
1) FREDA POAKWAA ADDAE
10823984
2) RODNEY EKOW KEELSON
10822238
3) STANLEY GAWU-MENSAH
10822273
4) NII AMOO AMOONAQUAH
10832994
5) VALERIE DELALI ATIBOLY
10824465
6) SIKIAELI ARABA DON-ARTHUR
10849145
7) ADAMS ISAAC AMISSAH
10827140
8) CATHERINE ANIMA ADDAE
10824683
9) AGBLEVOR MAWUENAM JESSICA
10833250
10) JOHNSON PRINCESS EDEM
10823207
11) ASAMOA ABOAGYEWAA
10828445
EMMANUELLA
Table of Contents
RESEARCH BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................. 4
RESEARCH PROBLEM..................................................................................................................................... 5
RESEARCH PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................................... 7
LITERATURE REVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 7
PROPOSED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................ 7
PROPOSED THEORY....................................................................................................................................... 9
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH ................................................................................................................. 9
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY ....................................................................................................................... 10
ORGANIZATION OF THE ESSAY ............................................................................................................. 10
CHAPTER OUTLINE: ..................................................................................................................................... 12
References .................................................................................................................................................. 14
RESEARCH BACKGROUND
An agribusiness is a line of business that focuses on the processing, warehousing, distribution,
marketing and retailing of products used in farming. Some of the components of the agribusiness
are Agrichemicals, Breeding, Machinery and Equipment. Also, here are the 7 emerging
agricultural technologies: Soil and Water Sensors, Weather Tracking, Satellite Imagine,
Pervasive Automation, Minichromosomal Technology, RFID Technology and Vertical Farming.
The earliest known evidence of irrigation technology dates to the 6th millennium BC in
Khuzestan in the south-west of present-day Iran, where it was developed separately by several
different cultures. Manual labor and working animals like oxen, horses, and mules have been
supplanted by contemporary mechanized agriculture powered by technology. In the 19th century,
weather forecasting was developed and barbed wire was invented. Ghana has a two-speed
agricultural sector: export-oriented agriculture is growing strongly, while food crop production is
lagging behind. Ghana is one of Africa’s success stories: in the past 20 years the economy has
been growing at an average of 5 per cent. Lately, a major growth driver has been the high
demand for gold from emerging economies. In 2006, gold overtook cocoa for the first time as
Ghana’s most important export. Yet the agricultural sector continues to dominate the economy.
Agriculture contributes to 54 % of Ghana’s GDP, and accounts for over 40 % of export earnings,
while at the same time providing over 90 % of the food needs of the country. International
market risks are likely to rise as competitors such as Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Cameroon,
Nigeria and Brazil expand their production. While cocoa demand is steadily increasing by 3 per
cent per annum with new markets emerging in Asia, the current capacity of producer countries
already exceeds demand. Without an annual loss of 30 per cent of the cocoa yield to disease, the
market would be oversupplied.
In an effort to reduce its exposure to international price volatility, Ghana is trying to increase to
50 per cent the amount of cocoa beans processed; yet as of 2005/06, only 13 per cent of cocoa
beans were processed in Ghana. Ghana has a small chocolate label, Golden Tree, but this is sold
only in small quantities in the UK.
Information technology is playing a key role in enhancing agricultural production in Ghana.
Beyond vehicular machines, farmers have started using modern technologies to enhance
productivity. With the help of drone technology pesticides were sprayed onto the farms of about
50 farmers, which were all salvaged in a few hours. Afterward, farmers were educated on the use
of the drone, the input application period and the application process. Several other government
initiatives include e-agriculture components, including Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ);
Planting for Export and Rural Development; One District, One Factory; and One District, One
Warehouse. PFJ, for example, included significant public funding towards the MoFA’s eAgriculture activities. Another programmes, Agenda for Jobs, sought to promote the use of ICT
in the agricultural value chain to reduce costs; establish a database on all farmers, promote
insurance products; disseminate information on weather and prices; and strengthen research
programmes. Farmerline is helping smallholder farmers access information on inputs, markets,
and resources to increase productivity using mobile solutions. To help farmers plan their planting
season better, Farmer line offers up to date weather information as well as accurate market data.
This information is not only available in English; the agri-tech business employs voices in many
African languages in order to improve access
Weedicides and fertilizers have taken the place of the weeding and manure application practices
among farmers in developing countries. Sensor usage such as CO2 concentration sensor,
humidity sensor, etc., in the agrarian field nursing structure prevent excess materials such as
water. Farmers can also walk in the farm areas while tracking the farmland with Global
Positioning System (GPS) device to capture the total area.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Farmers have a long-standing interest in the effectiveness of the transportation infrastructure as
well as the cost of delivering supplies to the farm and agricultural products to markets. In
actuality, the early Granger movement was a sort of farmer agitation that led to the first effective
regulation of railroad prices in this nation. Farmers are once again worried about significant
transportation issues today. The issue is more complicated than it once was due to the state of the
railroads and the emergence of alternative modes of transportation, but this is all the more reason
to understand the principles and opposing points of view. Here is an open conversation that
places a particular focus on the concerns of agriculture. ( RALPH L. DEWEY & JAMES C.
NELSON ', page 720. Lack of regulated food storage facilities, which causes post-harvest
losses, continues to be a hindrance to the agriculture sector's expansion. Dr Julius Gatune,
Project Technical Lead, at the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) said that”
that farmers experienced the ‘first-mile’ transport challenge and as result many tended to sell
their produce at the farm gate. In Ghana approximately 88 per cent of smallholder farmers use
farm-gate to market their produce”. Dr. Gatune stated that the study showed that farmers in the
country relied on word-of-mouth when it came to information availability and that new media
had had no effect on the spread of knowledge. He claimed that in order to address the problems
in the agricultural industry, technological, policy, business, and social changes were required. He
pointed out that the study recommended grouping farmers together and enhancing their
networking capabilities in order to give them the knowledge and skills necessary to use
information and communication technology to access online markets.
Developing farmers might think about employing a contractor rather than purchasing their own
equipment if they have trouble getting access to machinery at the proper time during the
production process. This was according to Wessel Lemmer, general manager of Agbiz Grain,”
Importation costs, high transportation costs, and interest rates that will probably [rise] every
quarter, are the main reasons why machinery prices are currently on the increase.” He stated that
these issues, along with difficulties in the supply chain, have led to a lack of farming equipment
worldwide. Brian Makhele, an agricultural economist at the National Agricultural Marketing
Council (NAMC), added that a lack of ownership was at the core of the problem. These farmers
struggle because they do not have the financial equity to purchase their own equipment.”
Farmers frequently view maintaining farm records as a boring undertaking (Poggio, 2006). It
goes without saying that farmers have limitations that prevent them from maintaining farm
records. According to Minae et al. (2003), the fact that most African farming communities with
limited resources have high rates of illiteracy and low numeracy levels makes the lack of keeping
farm records more obvious. Farm record keeping takes up a lot of time for farmers because the
majority of them work in many businesses and diversified farming systems. As a result, they
struggle with time constraints that prevent them from maintaining agricultural records (Johl &
Kapur 2001). The subsistence character of farming, according to Johl & Kapur (2001), does not
create any incentives for maintaining the farm records. Therefore, farmers are unable to hire
separately educated accountants to assist them with farm accounting. According to Singh (2001),
small farmers are uninterested in maintaining farm records because they are aware that, due to
the size of their agricultural holdings, they will not be able to take advantage of economies of
scale. According to Minae (2001), a limitation is the lack of awareness among extension agents
or enumerators regarding the significance of farm record keeping on the operation of farm
companies. According to Johl & Kapur (2001), there aren't enough skilled farm management
specialists accessible to assist farmers in keeping track of their business. Farmers, according to
Johl & Kapur (2001), are always wary of new taxes and worry that if they keep good records and
their incomes appear high in their record books, a hefty tax may be imposed on them.
RESEARCH PURPOSE
This research seeks to discuss the various technology used in agribusinesses in Ghana. The
advantages of technology in this economic sector to the country will also be tackled in the
research, in addition to the challenges faced in adopting this modern technology.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
 How profitable is the use of technology in the agribusiness sector of Ghana?
 What are some problems which may be faced with the use of such technology in this
sector?
 What are some policies to be adopted in the use of this modern technology?
LITERATURE REVIEW
PROPOSED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This aspect of the proposal talks about the proposed process and technique to be employed in
carrying out the study in order to answer the research question. Research design refers to a map
that guides a researcher in the conduct of a study with maximum control over factors that may
interfere with the validity of the findings (Burns & Grove, 2003). According to Warfield (2005),
researchers group research design into three categories. They are the quantitative, qualitative and
mixed method. The purpose of this research is to talk about the various technologies in
agribusiness.This section outlines the methodology that were employed in order to find solutions
to the problem. Research methodology is the path through which researchers need to conduct
their research (Sileyew,2019). According to (William,2007)
This research work will use more of qualitative data because it is explorative in nature.
Qualitative data shows the actions or decisions that people make and the motivation behind their
actions. Therefore, qualitative research can be used to determine reasons why some farmers do
not employ modern technology in their practices.
A qualitative approach will be used to collect data about the research topic. Various techniques
were employed under the qualitative approach and they include conducting interviews. The
interviews to be conducted will be semi-structured where questions will be set and there will be a
structure to follow. Also, responses will be open-ended and recorded. The interviewees targeted
are individuals especially in the agricultural sector in the country.. An interview guide will be
created as to the various questions what will be asked. Examples of questions in the interview
guide include

What is the preferred technology you will like to use?

What are the factors you consider before employingthe various modern technologies?
STUDY AREA
The research study was conducted in New Juabeng, the central part of the Eastern Region of
Ghana. The eastern region has a lot of farming lands. New Juabeng was chosen because it was
very simple to find all the various kinds of people who are related to the agricultural sector and
required for the study.
RESEARCH DESIGN
This talks about how the research will be structured to identify and achieve the objectives of the
study. The method used is the qualitative approach in research. The qualitative approach used in
this research was to talk about the impact of agribusiness in Ghana,
STUDY POPULATION
The research focused on farmers from the New Juabeng district who have been contracted to
provide food commodities to the country. Also some students were chosen for the study.
SOURCES OF DATA
Collection of data will be based on a semi-structured open ended interview guide which will be
used to collect data among the selected farmers. Interview guide avoids the interviewer from
fluctuating whiles studying the research objectives. (Alshenqeeti,2004) selective objective will
be used to see the interactions between the farmers.
DATA ANALYSIS
Analysis of the data gathered will conducted using thematic analysis and the SPSS software, will
be used to help in the coding and analysis of the data. Data collected will be transcribed
verbatim.
PROPOSED THEORY
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH
The agricultural sector will see a lot of growth when the use of technology is adopted and
utilized efficiently by the economy. Farms now have machinery thanks to technology. Farmers
will be able grow more acres of land quickly and with less work due to the use of different types
of machines instead of the conventional techniques, which required a great deal of time and
work. The two most crucial factors in agriculture are time and productivity, and current
agricultural technology helps fewer farmers produce enormous amounts of crops in a short
amount of time. The availability of the items in the market at the appropriate moment is
facilitated by modern transportation. Technology has sped up long-distance travel, which in turn
has sped up the daily delivery of all agricultural goods to marketplaces for customers. This will
allow farmers to now readily carry fertilizer and other essential agriculture materials to their
crops thanks to current transportation technologies.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
“The term Agribusiness is used to refer to economic activities derived from or connected to farm
products. In other words, crop production, as well as crop processing, transportation and
distribution” (Susana Perez Ares, 2019). Agribusiness is a broad topic, this research focuses
more how technology impacts the processing, transportation and distribution of crops in Ghana
and less on the use of technology in the planting /producing of crops.
The time designated for the submission of this paper is not enough to permit data collection
through surveys and questionnaires, hence statistical data from the internet is what is being
solely relied on for this research paper.
Taking into consideration the population size coupled with the time constraint, we are only
taking statistical data from 9 out of the 16 regions in Ghana.
This paper is more descriptive than comparative. It only gives an overview of the problems
relating to using technology in Agribusinesses in Ghana and does tell how the use of technology
in agribusiness has improved or declined over the years.
ORGANIZATION OF THE ESSAY
BEGINNING DATE:15 TH JUNE,2022
DUE DATE: 18 TH OCTOBER 2022
TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY IN AGRIBUSINESS IN GHANA
This research will take a span of 8 months.
Research stages
1. Background research
Expectations

and literature review
Meet with supervisor for a first
Date completion
15th June 2022
conversation

Perform a more thorough review of
applicable literature

Clarify the research questions

Formulate a theoretical framework
2. Research design

planning

11th June 2022
Selection of large scale farms in
Eastern Region.

Conduct a selective observation

Finalize sampling methods and data
analysis methods
3. Data collection and
preparation

Visit the various farms

Conduct semi-structured interviews
15th June 2022
with selected farmers.

Transcribe and code interviews and
clean surveyed
31ST July 2022
4. Data analysis

Conduct thematic analysis of interview
transcripts

Draft the outcomes and discussion
chapters
Research stages
Expectations
5. Conclusion and

Complete a full essay draft
Recommendations

Meet with supervisor to discuss
Date completion
20th August 2022
feedback and corrections
6. Revision

Restart based on feedback

Get supervisor acceptance for the final
draft

Proofread

Print, bind and submit
18th October 2022
CHAPTER OUTLINE:
This study will be organized into five chapters.
Chapter One: The first chapter will introduce students to the background of the study which is a
disquisition on TECHNOLOGY IN AGRIBUSINESS IN GHANA. This chapter will discuss the
study's background, the research problem, the research questions and objectives, the significance
of the study, the scope of the research. The main features of technology in agribusiness will be
explained, problem statement, specific objectives as well as specific research questions of the
study.
Chapter Two: This chapter is a literature review highlighting scholarly works and extant literature
on the study of technology in agribusiness as well as other secondary sources of information
relevant to the field of study and the research framework The literature will be reviewed with some
specific objectives and research questions. This chapter will examine the gaps in the literature
review and controversies in the opinions of authors. Finally, finding on the impact of technology
in agribusiness on Ghana's economy will be deliberated.
Chapter Three: This chapter will provide the research methodology that will be used in
addressing the hypothesis and the research questions. It outlines the questionnaire, research
instrument, data collection and analysis and research approach that were used. The presentation
and analysis of findings will be included in Chapter four.
Chapter Four: This chapter emphasizes the actual data analysis and findings of the study based
on data to be collected and analyzed using data analysis tools that will be discussed in chapter
three.
Chapter Five: The conclusions, observations and outcomes will be summarized and discussed in
this chapter, as well as recommendations for future research. Finally, in Chapter 5, there will be a
discussion of the findings.
References
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https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/companies/agribusiness/
Alshenqeeti, H. (2014). Interviewing as a data collection method:A critical review. English linguistics
research.
Ares, P. (2019, september 12). BBVA. Retrieved from What is agribusiness and why is it important .
Ares, P. (2019, september 12). BBVA. Retrieved from What is agribusiness and why is it important:
https://www.bbva.com/en/sustainability/what-is-agribusiness-and-why-is-it-important/
Ayoka. (2016). 7 Emerging Agriculture Technologies. Retrieved from Made in USA Enterprise Application
Services: https://ayokasystems.com/news/emerging-agriculture-technologies/.
Dewey, R. (n.d.). The transportation Problem of Agriculture. Retrieved from usda:
https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/IND43893743/PDF
famer's weekly. (n.d.). Retrieved from farmer' weekly: http://farmersweekly.co.za
Fourth Industrial in African Agriculture. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Case of Agritech in Ghana-Research
Desk: https://researchdesk.consulting/fourth-industrial-revolution-in-african-agriculture-thecase-of-agritech-in-ghana/
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https://www.fao.org/ghana/fao-in-ghana/ghana-at-a-glance/en/
How is Ghana harnessing technology for food safety. (2019, April 10). Retrieved from retrieved from
water,land and ecosysytems: https://wle.cgiar.org/thrive/2019/04/10/how-ghana-harnessingtechnology-food-security
How technology can solve agricultural issues in Ghana. (2022, march 22). Retrieved from oxford business
group: https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/analysis/tech-solutions-public-and-private-sectorplayers-adopt-innovative-technologies-solve-pressing
How Technology is Influencing the Agric Value Chain in Ghana . (2018, november 2). Retrieved from
Gesatech solutions: https://gesatech.com/how-technology-is-influencing-the-agric-value-chainin-ghana/
Kwakye, B. D. (2021). Agriculture Technology as a tool to influence youth farming in Ghana. Open
Journal of applied sciences, 885-898.
WhatIs.com(n.d). (2022, august 15). Retrieved from techtarget.com:
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/agribusiness