Report on initial technical training on high quality cassava flour production in Volta, Brong Ahafo and Greater Accra regions in Ghana

Abstract

The Objective 2 of FRI-C:AVA program stipulates that by March 2010 at least ten medium to large scale processors (40% women) are strengthened with relevant skills to effectively and efficiently employ Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Management System to profitably process and deliver 15.68 and 47.04 tonnes per month per medium and large scale processors respectively of HQCF. In order to accomplish the objective a Training Needs Assessment carried out from 4th to 21st May, 2009 for nine medium to large-scale cassava processors in the Volta, Brong Ahafo and Greater Accra Regions. The Training Needs Assessment was followed by Initial Technical Training on High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) on 16th September to 7th October, 2009. The training was based on a training plan for each location. Four cassava processors were trained in the Volta Region. These were Caltech Ventures located at Ho-Hodzo, Godsway Enterprise located at Agate-Have, Majestic Agribusiness Centre located at Hohoe and Marbert Limited located at Akrofu-Xeviope. In the Brong Ahafo Region three medium to large-scale cassava processors were trained. These three cassava processors were 1st Door Agro-processing Enterprise located at Atebubu, Cassacoxa Limited located at Sunyani-Chiraa, and Bredi Agricultural Enterprise located at Bredi. In the Greater Accra Region two medium to large scale medium processors were trained. The cassava processors were Amasa Agro-processing Company Limited located at Ayikai-Doblo and Afrimat Global Enterprise Limited located at Fiasie in the Greater Accra Region. The methods of training included presentations, teaching and hands on demonstration on all the unit operations. Generally, the training was well attended at every location and trainees were satisfied with the methodology and content of the training and expressed the desire for more of such training's on locations. During the training, more females were trained than males, an indication that more women are involved in cassava processing activities in Ghana. Trainees were satisfied about the strategic plans developed with them to meet set targets and promised to work out their daily work plans to meet their set production targets