GrainGrow: Bringing Innovation in Food Handling

The entrepreneur, an electrical engineer, entered agriculture by trading maize. He offered credit to his buyers, but soon realized that the model does not work in Ghana. Just as he was close to giving up on the model, a brewery approached him to supply them with maize grits. Committing to supply large quantities, he realizes that he did not have a steady supply of maize. Having learned of business incubators in Silicon Valley, he thought of attracting agricultural graduates into farming by removing their barriers to entry—land and the necessary inputs—and supporting them while they become independent. As he struggled to attract youth to the remote area where he was able to get land, he wished the government would do more to make the area more livable with improved infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals. A case to consider building supply chains, social infrastructure, and models for public extension to support private enterprises.