Innovative Solutions to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses in Local Markets in Ghana: Opportunities and Challenges for Young Entrepreneurs

George Kobina vanDyck, Robert John Bell and Charles Luanga Ayimbila Akpakia

Chapter 5 in Developing University Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2025, pp 131-154 from World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Abstract: Post-Harvest Losses (PHL) in Accra’s markets present a complex issue with significant ramifications for the agricultural industry in the city. The reasons for PHL are investigated in this chapter, with particular attention paid to the intricate interactions between consumer preferences, import dependence, and inefficiencies in local agricultural production and distribution. The analysis reveals a complex network of factors that contribute to PHL in Accra, such as the importation of large quantities of commodities, the length of supply chains associated with imports, and consumer prejudice in favour of imported produce, which reduces local demand and increases PHL when unsold. PHL is heavily influenced by the timing of sales, with early-morning vendors experiencing better sales. The analysis highlights the necessity of implementing concerted measures to tackle inefficiencies, decrease reliance on imports, and modify consumer attitudes. Additionally, it suggests creative storage techniques and micro agro-processing facilities as entrepreneurial alternatives.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Innovation; Academic Entrepreneurship; University Ecosystem; Entrepreneurship Education and Curriculum; Entrepreneurship Policy and Regulation; Developmental Economics; African University Ecosystem; African Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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