Beneficiaries of the BRIIng Project, an initiative funded by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, have expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, emphasizing the need for more research-driven interventions to enhance food processing in their communities.

They also highlighted key challenges, including limited funding, inadequate promotional support, and the need for mini-factories to preserve produce.

“We need more research-driven interventions to enhance food processing in our communities to ensure effective business delivery.

“Even though we are facing a lot of challenges such as funding and advertisement of our product, among others, there should be a way out.”

The BRIIng Project has officially concluded at the University of Ghana, Legon.

The project, which aimed to empower small-scale businesses in rural communities, focused on bridging the gap between research, industry innovation, and technology adoption to drive Ghana’s economic growth.

Themed “Bridging the Research-Industry Innovation and Assimilation Gap through Technology Capacity Building in Rural Ghana,” the initiative brought together project leaders, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to celebrate its impact and achievements.

Speaking at the event, Jackson Appiagyei Jnr., Innovation Hub Manager at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), emphasized the project’s role in supporting rural food enterprises.

“Since 2023, we have been implementing the BRIIng Project to bridge research, innovation, and assimilation gaps through technology capacity building in rural Ghana. Our research took us to seven communities, where we trained small-scale food enterprises on enhancing their food processing techniques using research developed by students and faculty of the University of Ghana.”

He explained that the first phase of the project was implemented in Kade, Dormaa Ahenkro, Tuobodoum, etc., while the recently concluded second phase sets the stage for the third and final phase.

Gameli Adzaho, Country Technical Lead for Ghana at RISA, reaffirmed the project’s significance, stating: “The BRIIng Project is funded by the UK government through the RISA Fund, which strengthens research and innovation ecosystems in six African countries, including Ghana.

“We are proud to support the University of Ghana Business School in implementing this project, which enables rural entrepreneurs to either develop new food products or improve existing ones.”

Beyond technical training, the project also focused on business management, branding, and market access strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

“The beneficiaries are excited about today’s event as it showcases their achievements and how the program has transformed their businesses. Moving forward, we will continue to support rural innovation and ensure that research findings are made accessible to communities across Ghana,” Adzaho added.

Since its inception, the BRIInG Project has rolled out two phases.

The first phase focused on identifying the specific needs of rural communities and matching them with relevant research innovations.

To ensure effective knowledge transfer, UGBS NEST organized a five-day intensive training in collaboration with the Dairy Research Improvement and Innovation Consortium (DRIInC). Entrepreneurs from six communities - Tuobodom, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Dormaa Ahenkro, Atimpoku and Kade were trained in tomato processing, dairy production, fruit preservation, egg powder production, dry ice technology for fish preservation, and improved palm oil processing respectively.

Phase Two focused on advancing the work done in Phase One by supporting rural food enterprises in key areas such as product certification, market access, and the provision of makerspaces.

Entrepreneurs were guided through the process of obtaining certification for their products from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to ensure compliance with industry standards.

The project also facilitated investor matching, connecting rural businesses with potential funders to scale their operations. This phase also saw the introduction of another community, Tamale, where participants were trained in grain processing and value addition.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Phase Two also led to the establishment of the Rural Innovation Network of Ghana (RING) through the creation of the Community Collaborative of Practice (CCoP).

This platform facilitates interactions among various stakeholders including the rural entrepreneurs, regulatory bodies and researchers, connecting key players in the rural innovation ecosystem.

Providing a structured platform for the beneficiaries of the project to scale their businesses, leverage shared resources, and improve market access, cooperatives were successfully formed in all of the communities involved in the training.

These include the Bono East Tomato Producers in Tuobodom, Coastal Fruit Processing Cooperative in Cape Coast, Dam Site Fish Processors Association in Atimpoku, Savannah Sahel Commodities Limited in Tamale, Kwae East Palm Oil Producers Association in Kade, Portside Food Processors Association in Takoradi and the Dormaa Egg Producing Association in Dormaa Ahenkro.

Beyond technology transfer, the project has also established the Rural Innovation Network of Ghana (RING), a collaborative platform that fosters engagement among rural entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry stakeholders. By creating a network that connects research institutions with small businesses, the initiative aims to ensure continued knowledge-sharing and business growth beyond the project’s lifespan.

Transitioning to the third phase of the BRIInG Project, a close-out and exhibition event was held to showcase the food innovations that have emerged through the BRIInG Project so far.

As part of the event, a Retrospective Engagement Session allowed participants to reflect on their journeys, highlight the challenges they have faced, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The close-out event also served as a platform to attract investors interested in supporting rural innovation.

AM/KA

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