About

CABI has had a presence in Africa for over 100 years. Our centre in Ghana was officially opened on 4 July 2012 and serves West Africa – a region made up of 15 states, with a population of about 300 million.

This is a region where agriculture is of huge importance. The countries of West Africa are major producers of cocoa, oil palm, cotton and groundnuts, as well as livestock and forest products, but there are significant challenges to effective trade in agricultural commodities in this region.

The centre is engaged in science-based work to support agricultural production and trade, and correspondingly increase economic opportunities in the region and beyond. Specific work includes the training and development of extension workers, in order to enable agricultural information to be disseminated to farmers in the area. Trained extension workers also offer free pest identification and control services to farmers through plant clinics. Better access to knowledge is enabled through the development of communication materials covering a range of agricultural topics, such as crop and soil management and the management of common pests and diseases.

Collaboration is essential for the centre to achieve its work efficiently and successfully. With this in mind, the centre continues to develop strong and productive relationships with nations (including CABI member countries) as well as national bodies responsible for agricultural research and development (including NGOs and Foundations). It liaises with other CABI staff both in Africa and across the globe, as well as partner organizations and agencies. In the years ahead the centre aims to increase the use of scientific knowledge and skills in agricultural production, food processing and the promotion of sustainable, ethical and profitable trade by the West African countries.