The Ghana-Netherlands Business and Cultural Council (GNBCC) has announced the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Horticulture Business Challenge (HBC).
The HBC is a 10-day program designed to provide higher education students and young professionals with the relevant skills and opportunities needed to pursue a career in horticulture. A notable feature of HBC is its emphasis on teamwork, where participants collaborate to identify viable solutions to real-world business challenges. This fosters critical thinking, innovation and the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
The program, held in Accra from November 3 to 12, ranged from training sessions and team exercises covering email etiquette, pitching skills, networking in the professional field, building a strong online professional brand, and more. started. Through Belbin’s test, participants gained insight into their strengths and weaknesses within their teams, increasing their ability to complement each other effectively.
The following day, we visited Holland Greentech for a practical training session, introducing participants to hydroponics, sustainable cultivation techniques, and best farming practices with defermercysts. The day ended with a visit to a greenhouse farm owned by Farmer Arai.
The next day, the team visited participating companies Eden Tree Limited and Farm Estates Limited to understand the context of their business challenges and work on solutions. The program also featured sessions with renowned entrepreneurs, giving participants the opportunity to network and gain inspiration from their journeys and success stories. Additionally, online sessions with PUM experts introduced participants to the Dutch horticulture situation.
Throughout the program, a dedicated coach was available to help participants navigate team dynamics and provide guidance on creating effective solutions and professional development.
On Friday 10th November, the team presented their solutions to the Eden Tree Limited and Farm Estates Limited business cases. Presentations were evaluated by a jury of Ileen Wilke (IDFC), Cecilia Gyimah (MDF), and Jemima Rockson (GNBCC) and scored based on feasibility, innovation and impact, stakeholder, and presentation skills . Congratulations to team Green Harvest Innovators (Rebecca Siameh, Benjamin Bannor, and Ewurama Appiah) for winning the inaugural Horticulture Business Challenge.
The HBC concluded with a visit to Blue Skies Company Limited, where participants were able to witness the horticulture value chain company in action. The day began with a visit to Farmer Billy’s pineapple farm, followed by a presentation by Alistair Jimati, highlighting the importance of adding value and encouraging participants to explore opportunities and careers in this sector.
Initiatives like HBC bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring participants are well prepared for the demands of the horticulture sector upon graduation. Such programs also stimulate entrepreneurship and contribute not only to the personal growth of participants, but also to the development and sustainability of the horticulture industry as a whole.
HBC’s partners include Holland Greentech, Central University, University of Ghana, Kwadaso Agric College, Ho Technical University, Eden Tree Limited, Farm Estates Limited and the Dutch Embassy in Ghana.
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