College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg)

Agribusiness and Small Enterprise Development at NReg

Agribusiness and small enterprise development are essential components of sustainable natural resource governance and rural livelihood improvement—especially within Ghana’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. At the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg), we support students, farmers, and community entrepreneurs in building resilient, environmentally responsible, and economically vibrant agribusiness ventures.

Empowering Local Agribusiness for Sustainable Futures

Located in Kumasi, a thriving commercial and agricultural hub in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, NReg is uniquely positioned to bridge academic knowledge with real economic opportunities. Our programs help students and local communities transform natural resource–based activities into sustainable enterprises that contribute to poverty reduction, food security, and ecosystem protection.

What We Do

NReg’s work in agribusiness and small enterprise focuses on strengthening skills, promoting innovation, and supporting community-based entrepreneurship. Our initiatives include:

1. Agribusiness Training and Capacity Building

  • Training students and community members in crop and livestock production, agro-processing, agroforestry, and sustainable farming methods.

  • Offering workshops on value-chain development, market analysis, and post-harvest management.

  • Supporting youth and women to develop small agricultural enterprises that enhance household incomes.

2. Sustainable Agriculture and Climate-Smart Practices

  • Promoting environmentally friendly farming techniques such as organic cultivation, integrated soil fertility management, water conservation practices, and agroecology.

  • Partnering with local farmers around Kumasi, Ejisu, Offinso, and Bosomtwe districts to strengthen climate resilience and reduce land degradation.

  • Encouraging the adoption of tree-crop systems, including cocoa agroforestry, to improve biodiversity and long-term farm productivity.

3. Small Enterprise Development

  • Providing entrepreneurship training that helps students and community members start and scale micro and small businesses related to natural resources, agriculture, and green innovation.

  • Offering mentorship on business planning, financial literacy, cooperative development, and marketing strategies.

  • Supporting enterprises such as beekeeping, mushroom production, charcoal briquette manufacturing, herbal product development, and eco-friendly crafts.

4. Innovation, Technology, and Value Addition

  • Introducing simple, affordable technologies that increase productivity and reduce environmental impacts.

  • Training in value addition to agricultural products—such as processing cassava, fruits, spices, and medicinal plants—creating new market opportunities.

  • Encouraging digital tools and mobile platforms for market access, farm management, and record-keeping.

5. Community Partnerships and Field-Based Learning

  • Working with local agricultural cooperatives, traditional authorities, and district assemblies to strengthen community-driven agribusiness initiatives.

  • Organizing field trips and practical internships with farms, agro-processing centers, and environmental enterprises in the Ashanti Region.

  • Collaborating with government agencies like MoFA, the Forestry Commission, and NGOs to provide technical support and training opportunities.

Opportunities for Students and Communities

NReg offers:

  • Practical agribusiness courses and training

  • Entrepreneurship development programs

  • Access to demonstration farms and research plots

  • Community-based projects and volunteering opportunities

  • Support for student-led agri-innovation clubs

  • Pathways for collaboration with local businesses and cooperatives

Whether starting a new venture, improving small-scale farming, or exploring sustainable value chains, NReg provides the knowledge and support needed to grow ideas into impactful businesses.

Why Agribusiness Matters to NReg

Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, and empowering small enterprises is essential for inclusive, sustainable development. By linking environmental governance with economic opportunity, NReg helps shape a generation of professionals and entrepreneurs who understand how to balance production with conservation.

Our approach ensures that agribusiness growth does not compromise natural resources but instead strengthens ecosystems, enhances climate resilience, and improves the livelihoods of Ghanaian communities.