Improve Africa

Farmer Resources

Empowering farmers with knowledge, tools, and information for sustainable agriculture

Farmers learning

At Improve Africa, we believe that knowledge is power. Our resources section is designed to provide farmers with the information, tools, and guidance they need to improve their agricultural practices, increase yields, and build sustainable businesses.

From comprehensive farming guides to market reports and success stories, our resources are developed by agricultural experts and tailored to the specific needs and conditions of farming in Ghana. Whether you're a small-scale farmer or managing a large agricultural operation, you'll find valuable resources to help you succeed.

Farming Guides

Step-by-step instructions for various crops and farming techniques

Market Reports

Pricing trends, market opportunities, and economic insights

Success Stories

Learn from successful farmers and their innovative approaches

News & Updates

Latest agricultural developments and industry news

Books

A curated selection of books related to farming, agriculture, and business development

The New Organic Grower book cover

Bestseller

The New Organic Grower

By Eliot Coleman

A comprehensive guide to organic farming principles and techniques. This book covers everything from soil management to crop rotation and pest control for small-scale organic farmers.

Organic Farming, Sustainable Practices

Purchase Book Buy Online

The Lean Farm book cover

New

The Lean Farm

By Ben Hartman

An essential resource for creating efficient, sustainable farming practices. Learn how to minimize waste, increase productivity, and improve profitability using lean principles.

Farm Business, Efficiency, Sustainability

Purchase Book Buy Online

PDFs

Downloadable guides and manuals focused on practical agricultural techniques

Soil Fertility Guide

A comprehensive guide to improving soil health and increasing crop yields. Learn about soil testing, organic amendments, and nutrient management.

Updated: May 2023 PDF (3.2 MB) Soil Health

Download PDF

Pest Control for Farmers

Effective ways to manage pests in your crops using both organic and conventional methods. Includes identification guides and treatment options.

Updated: June 2023 PDF (4.5 MB) Pest Control

Download PDF

Water Management Techniques

Learn about efficient irrigation systems, water conservation methods, and rainwater harvesting techniques suitable for different farm sizes.

Updated: July 2023 PDF (2.8 MB) Irrigation, Water Management

Download PDF

Crop Rotation Planning

A guide to effective crop rotation strategies to improve soil health, reduce pest pressure, and maximize yields over multiple growing seasons.

Updated: April 2023 PDF (1.9 MB) Crop Rotation, Sustainable Practices

Download PDF

Articles

Insightful articles on agricultural best practices, technological advancements, and innovations

Irrigation systems

Best Practices for Irrigation

Effective irrigation techniques to improve water usage in agriculture. This article covers drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and timing strategies to maximize efficiency.

Published: July 15, 2023 Water Management, Technology

Sustainable farming

Sustainable Farming Practices

How sustainable farming can benefit both farmers and the environment. Learn about conservation tillage, cover crops, and integrated pest management.

Published: June 22, 2023 Sustainable Practices, Soil Health

Farm technology

Technology in African Agriculture

Exploring how technology is transforming farming in Africa, from mobile apps for market access to drones for crop monitoring and precision agriculture.

Published: August 5, 2023 Technology, Innovation

Climate resilient farming

Climate-Resilient Farming Strategies

Adapting to changing climate conditions with resilient farming strategies. Learn about drought-resistant crops, water conservation, and diversification.

Published: May 30, 2023 Climate Change, Sustainable Practices

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Videos

Visual content for farmers to learn farming techniques and hear from experts

Beginner's Guide to Starting a Farm

A comprehensive webinar series from University of Vermont Extension covering land access, business planning, and first-year crops.

Webinar Series Farm Start-Up, Business Planning

Watch on YouTube

Organic Farming 101

A free introductory course from Rodale Institute covering organic farming principles, soil health, and sustainable practices.

Online Course Organic Farming, Sustainable Practices

Watch on YouTube

Tools for Small Farms

A comprehensive guide from Penn State Extension covering essential equipment for small-scale farms, including a downloadable checklist.

Resource Guide Agricultural Equipment, Farm Management

Watch on YouTube

Future of African Agriculture

A panel discussion with Dr. Agnes Kalibata, former AGRA president, discussing the future of agriculture in Africa.

65 minutes Expert Interviews, Agricultural Policy

Watch on YouTube

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Other Learning Materials

Additional resources, such as podcasts, infographics, and webinars

Podcast: The Future of African Agriculture

Interviews with industry leaders about the future of agriculture in Africa, covering innovation, policy, and market trends.

12 Episodes Agricultural Policy, Innovation

Listen Now

Webinar: Sustainable Farming for a Growing Africa

A live session with experts discussing sustainable farming techniques, climate adaptation, and food security in Africa.

September 15, 2023 2:00 PM GMT

Register Now

Infographic: Crop Calendar for Ghana

A visual guide to planting and harvesting times for major crops across different regions of Ghana, with climate considerations.

PDF & JPG formats Crop Management, Planning

View Calendar

Farmer's Financial Toolkit

A collection of spreadsheets, calculators, and templates to help farmers with budgeting, record-keeping, and financial planning.

Excel & Google Sheets Farm Business, Financial Management

Access Tools

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Farming Guides

Comprehensive guides for successful farming

Organic farming

The New Organic Grower

A comprehensive guide to organic farming practices, covering soil management, crop rotation, pest control, and sustainable farming techniques.

Updated: January 2024 PDF

Purchase Book

Maize farming

Maize Cultivation Guide

A comprehensive guide to growing maize in Ghana, covering soil preparation, planting techniques, pest management, harvesting, and storage.

Updated: June 2023 PDF (2.5 MB)

Download Guide

Cassava farming

Cassava Production Manual

Learn the best practices for cassava cultivation, including variety selection, planting methods, weed control, disease management, and value addition.

Updated: May 2023 PDF (3.1 MB)

Download Guide

Rice farming

Rice Farming Handbook

A detailed guide on rice cultivation in both upland and lowland conditions, covering water management, fertilization, pest control, and post-harvest handling.

Updated: July 2023 PDF (4.2 MB)

Download Guide

Vegetable farming

Vegetable Growing Guide

Learn how to grow various vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, onions, and leafy greens. Covers seedling production, transplanting, irrigation, and organic pest management.

Updated: April 2023 PDF (3.8 MB)

Download Guide

Cocoa farming

Cocoa Production Manual

A comprehensive guide to cocoa cultivation, covering establishment, maintenance, disease management, harvesting, fermentation, and quality control.

Updated: March 2023 PDF (5.1 MB)

Download Guide

Livestock farming

Small-Scale Livestock Rearing

Guide to raising poultry, goats, and sheep on a small scale. Covers housing, feeding, health management, breeding, and marketing of livestock products.

Updated: February 2023 PDF (4.5 MB)

Download Guide

View All Farming Guides

Market Reports

Stay informed about agricultural markets

Our market reports provide valuable insights into agricultural commodity prices, market trends, and opportunities. These reports are updated regularly to help farmers make informed decisions about what to grow, when to sell, and how to maximize profits.

Monthly Commodity Price Report

Current prices for major agricultural commodities across different regions of Ghana. Updated monthly.

August 2023

Download Report

Quarterly Market Trends Analysis

Analysis of price trends, supply and demand dynamics, and market forecasts for the next quarter.

Q3 2023

Download Report

Export Market Opportunities

Information on export opportunities for Ghanaian agricultural products, including market requirements and potential buyers.

July 2023

Download Report

Crop-Specific Market Reports

Detailed market information for specific crops including maize, rice, cassava, cocoa, and vegetables.

Various Dates

View Reports

Success Stories

Learn from farmers who have transformed their operations

Farmer portrait

From Subsistence to Commercial Farming

Kofi Mensah, Ashanti Region

"I used to grow just enough maize to feed my family. After joining Improve Africa's training program and implementing the techniques from their farming guides, I now harvest three times more maize and sell the surplus to Improve Africa at fair prices. My income has doubled, and I've been able to send my children to school."

Read Full Story

Farmer portrait

Organic Vegetable Success

Abena Osei, Eastern Region

"I switched to organic vegetable farming using the techniques in Improve Africa's guides. Not only has this reduced my production costs, but I now sell premium organic vegetables to hotels and restaurants through Improve Africa's market connections. My farm is now a model for sustainable agriculture in my community."

Read Full Story

Farmer portrait

Rice Farming Transformation

Kwame Addo, Northern Region

"I struggled with low rice yields due to poor water management and traditional methods. After implementing the techniques from Improve Africa's Rice Farming Handbook and receiving support from their field officers, my yield has increased by 70%. I now employ five people from my village during the planting and harvesting seasons."

Read Full Story

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News & Updates

Latest agricultural news and developments

Agricultural news

15 Aug

New Drought-Resistant Maize Varieties Released

The Ghana Agricultural Research Institute has released three new drought-resistant maize varieties that can increase yields by up to 30% in dry conditions. Improve Africa will be distributing seeds to farmers in our network.

Read More

Agricultural news

02 Aug

Government Announces New Agricultural Subsidy Program

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has announced a new subsidy program for fertilizers and improved seeds. Improve Africa is working with the government to ensure our registered farmers can access these subsidies.

Read More

Agricultural news

25 Jul

Improve Africa Expands Operations to Volta Region

We are excited to announce the opening of our new regional office in Ho, Volta Region. This expansion will allow us to support more farmers in the eastern part of Ghana with our programs and services.

Read More

Agricultural news

18 Jul

New Mobile App Feature for Weather Forecasts

Our mobile app now includes a new feature that provides localized weather forecasts for farmers. This will help farmers plan their planting, spraying, and harvesting activities based on accurate weather predictions.

Read More

View All News

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