The Deputy Africa Regional Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. Lamourdia Thiombiano, has commended B-BOVID, an agri-business company operating in Ghana's Western Region for its innovative and unique agric model that seeks to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and eliminate poverty amongst farmers.

He thus lauded the company's profit-sharing component, stating that, “It is a difficult task for any businessman to share profit” and encouraged other businesses particularly in the agric sector, to consider the profit sharing model to improve farmers' standards of living.

Dr. Thiombiano who is also Ghana's Representative of the FAO gave the commendation when he visited B-BOVID to familiarize himself with the operations of the company and its various models adopted to make agriculture more attractive and dignifying.

The FAO country Director, who was awed by the model, said if such innovations and models are emulated and implemented on a large scale, agriculture cannot be classified as a “suffering or unpaid” sector but a sector with many opportunities for employment and wealth creation.

B-BOVID is committed to ensuring climate smart agriculture, food security and poverty alleviation which is in line with FAO's agenda on sustainable agriculture policy.

Dr. Thiombiano mentioned that the FAO would soon establish Community Development centre aimed at giving integrated approach to farming adding, “the B-BOVID example is worth learning from”.

Mr. Issa Ouedraogo, Founder and Chief Executive of B-BOVID said it was worrying that farmers continue to swim in abject poverty despite their enormous contribution to the  society.

He believes that the over 65 per cent of the African population who are farmers could have a successful lifestyle adding, “We all need to grow together”.

Mr. Ouedraogo said Ghana has a super weather and soil which should enable it to become food sufficient adding, “at B-BOVID, we use the power of  business to solve social and environmental problems through innovation and technology in agriculture”.

B-BOVID's model, which is the first of its kind in Ghana, runs an Palm oil and palm kernel oil  mill, an ICT centre for agriculture which is the  first in the country, alternative livelihood centre which is the largest in the country, agricultural mechanization centre which is the only one in Ghana's Central and Western  regions, agro-eco tourism and eco-garden (Garden of Eden),  animal husbandry, poultry and  aquaculture.

Other projects currently underway includes farmers shop, an organic supermarket and an organic restaurant.

Mr. Ouedraogo says the company is introducing farmers particularly the youth to a modern transformative and innovative agriculture that will transform subsistence farming to commercial farming in the communities.

The company also believes in impacting practical knowledge to rural communities to create wealth, jobs, and to entice more youth into agriculture to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the rural communities.

B-BOVID's social inclusive concept can be replicated across Ghana and the sub-region; and it is for this reason that B-BOVID's concept was among the case stories during the launch of the Global Compact Network Ghana in 2014.

The award-winning company’s farm also serves as a demonstration center for those who wish to diversify agriculture especially for the rural communities and for those who wish to replicate the concept. Replicating and supporting this initiative will improve the livelihood of the rural poor since agriculture plays a crucial role in contributing to the  major socio-economic development objectives; i.e food security, GDP growth, employment, improved nutrition and poverty  alleviation.

Mr. Ouedraogo added that B-BOVID through its unique concept, has created jobs for over 3,000 households in various communities, and indirectly improved the livelihoods of over 12,000 farmers. He said farmers obtain agricultural inputs at subsidized rate whilst first hand practical knowledge is given to the youth and farmers in the rural areas.