Kosmos Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Department of Agribusiness Management and Consumer Studies of the University of Energy and Natural Resource has held a one-day Capacity-building Training and Experience Sharing women’s Event dubbed “KIC Women’s Bootcamp” at the Okuafo Pa Centre of the School of Agriculture and Technology on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
The Colourful event, sponsored by KIC in partnership with the University of Energy and Natural Resource, attracted female participants from various parts of the Bono Region including students from UENR Sunyani Campus and the Dormaa Campus.
In a welcome address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice Dean of Students who doubles as the Faculty advisor of KIC, Prof. Richard Kwasi Bannor disclosed that over the past three years, KIC, through its programme dubbed “ Agri-Tech Challenge Classic “ the support of its partners had sponsored innovative ideas that impact on Ghanaian Socio-economic development, the Youth and Agriculture, where selected youth are trained for 7 months and upon completion are awarded a startup capital of two thousand(2000) dollars to start their own business.
Vice Dean of Students and the Faculty advisor of KIC, Prof. Richard Kwasi Bannor
The Bootcamp, he explained sought to equip female students with firsthand information on Agripreneurship, as well as its relevance to stimulate their interest in taking advantage of the KIC AGRI-Tech Challenge Classic. He explained that the programme targeted females because, in Ghana, only a few females appreciate the benefits of Agribusiness to their livelihoods therefore, do not consider the need to venture into that field hence the need for such programmes to equip them with the requisite knowledge on Agripreneurship.
Ms. Victoria Adutwumwaa, the Programme Officer, took turns to highlight the objectives and expectations of the Bootcamp. She also used the opportunity to take participants through a practical session of the Agritech Challenge registration process.
Dr. Helena Oppong Kyeremeh, HoD for the Department of Agribusiness Management and Consumer Studies also educated participants on bankable areas in Agribusiness worth consideration. These include; egg production, poultry and Cashew production, processing of agricultural products and value addition.
Dr. Helena Oppong Kyeremeh, HoD for the Department of Agribusiness Management and Consumer Studies
Touching on Marketing, the CEO of YARP Foods, Mr. Andy Donsah indicated that first identifying target customers is key to every successful business. Miss Louisa Yeboah, the Public Relations Officer of YARP Foods also touched on the relevance of strategic Communication in business. Touching on the relevance, she mentioned Team collaboration, Customer Acquisition and Retention as well as Partnership and Networks as some key importance of Strategic Communication.
For her part, the CEO of UBS Foods, Dr. Gifty Osei Mensah also enlightened participants on the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, how to maintain a work/life balance, available opportunities as well as Leadership and Organisational Management.
An exhibition session helped to showcase products such as Pure Honey, all-purpose Cassava flour, and Fufu flour among others.
In his Closing remarks, Prof. Bannor thanked the participants for honouring the invitation. He further encouraged them to take advantage of the Agritech Challenge Classic.
