Feasibility studies for Better Foods and Farms

Abstract

Better Foods is a prospective Agro processing company which is interested in processing cassava into HQCF, starch and other related cassava products for both local and international markets. The company contacted CSIR-Food Research Institute for technical advice as to how to go about setting up a processing facility as well as the technology transfer they may require as a company. A preliminary meeting was held between CSIR-Food Research Institute and the company, after which a contract was signed between Better Foods and CSIR-FRI for FRI to conduct feasibility studies in Jasikan district specifically Bodada and Akaa communities in the Volta Region. This would enable Better Foods to evaluate and ascertain the viability of its intended project. A two day feasibility studies was carried out by Food Research team led by a technical expert with assistance from representatives of Better foods. Prior to conducting the feasibility studies, Better Foods indicated that, it had already acquired a 50 acre farmland and planning to link about 50 cassava out-growers to its farm. Enquiries from the communities visited revealed contrary but the intent of Better Foods was established. This feasibility study was conducted to determine the viability of a cassava processing facility to be located either at Bodada or Akaa. The proposed facility was assessed in four core areas namely: Market and Financial Feasibility, Technical Feasibility, Resource and Environmental Feasibility as well as Social and Institutional Feasibility. By identifying and understanding the above listed scope of studies, one can determine whether or not to venture into the proposed project or investment. It would give an insight into which gap needs to be filled and which area needs more attention to succeed