WFP-MCF TRAINS 70 FEMALE YOUTH IN AGRIBUSINESS

By CUG NEWS MEDIA

In a significant stride towards improving food security and empowering female youth in the Bono Region, the World Food Programme - MasterCard Foundation (WFP-MCF) Agribusiness for Youth Employment Project recently conducted comprehensive value addition training from April 22nd to 26th, 2024. The training, which focused on enhancing the quality and marketability of agricultural products, drew enthusiastic participation from various farming communities in the region.

Facilitated by the Regional Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD) Officer, Felicia Asabea Boadu, and the Regional Extension Officer, Isaac Agyei Mensah, the training was strategically held in two key districts—Berekum West and Wenchi. The sessions were attended by a total of 79 female youth processors and representatives from Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) across five project districts. The initiative aimed to equip these young women with practical skills in raw material selection, modern processing techniques, and hands-on experience in producing value-added products like Tom brown and local Cerelac.

Participants delved into the intricacies of raw material selection, learning about the importance of choosing the right ingredients to ensure high-quality outputs. The training modules covered the significance of modern processing techniques, highlighting key methods such as cleaning, sorting, roasting, milling, mixing, and packaging.

A particularly engaging aspect of the training was the hands-on practicals, where participants applied their newfound knowledge in producing three types of value-added products: Cerelac (a composite of rice and maize), multicereal Tom brown and sorghum-based wean mix. These practical sessions not only honed their skills but also built their confidence in processing nutritious and market-ready products.

Key lessons from the training included the importance of proper roasting to enhance the taste and nutritional value of products, maintaining clean milling equipment to avoid contamination, and achieving a uniform nutrient distribution through effective mixing techniques. The participants also learned about the different packaging materials and methods crucial for preserving product quality.

Despite the successes, the training highlighted some practical challenges, such as improper maintenance of processing equipment at milling sites, which posed contamination risks. Trainers emphasized the need for millers to be educated on equipment maintenance and the importance of using freshly cleaned mills for baby food production. Additionally, inconsistency in mixing and packaging across different batches was identified as an area for improvement, with strategies implemented to standardize processes and ensure uniformity.

The value addition training concluded on a high note, leaving participants equipped with essential skills and a renewed sense of purpose. By focusing on producing nutritious and safe products for infants and young children, the initiative not only enhances child nutrition and food security but also provides a viable alternative livelihood source for female youth in the region.

This training marks a significant step towards empowering women in agriculture and fostering sustainable development in the Bono Region. As these young women apply their skills in value addition, they stand poised to drive positive change in their communities and contribute to the region’s agribusiness growth. 

By Adam Siaka
Catholic University radio
Wisdom 101.1

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