"Fufu" flour processing in Ghana: Costs, returns and institutional support expected to encourage young entrepreneurs

The introduction of "fufu" flour is an innovative business venture that young entrepreneurs should explore. However, the level of costs and returns as well as institutional support to sustain the industry is not well understood. This study was conducted to determine the profitability of "fufu" flour and the strength of the institutional framework. The criteria of Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Benefit-Cost Ratio (B-CR) were used for the investment analysis at 20 per cent discount rate. The results showed that the IRR was 57 per cent, and the NPV and BCR were positive. As the project appraisal indices show worthiness, it can be concluded that "fufu" flour processing is economically feasible. A fairly developed institutional framework already exists (policy, regulatory agencies, and input and output markets); this enabling environment needs to be strengthened

Options for local financing in urban agriculture

Access to debt financing (credit) is crucial to the development of urban agricultural production, processing and marketing activities. This chapter is based on a 2009 study 1 carried out in Accra to assess the practices of institutions and programs that could finance urban agriculture as well as the existing bottlenecks and opportunities in financing. Information is based on surveys involving 179 respondents sampled from financial institutions; urban farmers (not limited to vegetable farmers), traders and processors; literature reviews, stakeholder mapping; focus group discussions; key informant interviews; and a validation workshop

Feasibility study for biogas integration into waste treatment plants in Ghana

Biogas (anaerobic digestion) technology is one of the most viable renewable energy technologies today. However, its economic efficiency depends on the investment costs, costs of operating the biogas plant and optimum methane production. Likewise the profit level also rests on its use directly for cooking or conversion into electricity. The present study assessed the economic potential for a 9000 m3 biogas plant, as an alternative to addressing energy and environmental challenges currently in Ghana. A cost-benefit analysis of the installation of biogas plant at University of Ghana (Legon Sewerage Treatment Plant) yielded positive net present values (NPV) at the prevailing discount rate of 23%. Further the results demonstrate that installation of the plant is capital intensive. Biogas used for cooking was by far the most viable option with a payback period (PBP) of 5 years. Sensitivity analysis also revealed cost of capital, plant and machinery as the most effective factors impacting on NPV and internal rate of return (IRR)