#Japan #Tokyo #Gransalto #Toshin #JICA Biz

Introduction

In an exciting development for Ghana's agricultural landscape, two prominent Japanese companies, Gransalto and Toshin, have had their joint proposal accepted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the JICA Biz initiative. This project aims to leverage high-quality, used Japanese tractors and combine harvesters to provide accessible farming solutions for local farmers, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity while providing a sustainable leasing model.

Objectives of the Project

The primary objectives of this project include:

• - Establishing a continuous access mechanism for smallholder farmers to agricultural machinery.
• - Promoting agricultural mechanization to improve productivity and profitability.
• - Developing a self-sustaining business model that will continue after the JICA initiative concludes.

Addressing Challenges in Ghana's Agriculture

Ghana faces numerous challenges in mechanizing its agricultural sector, primarily due to high initial investment costs and funding constraints for purchasing farming equipment. By utilizing durable and compact used tractors from Japan, this project aims to bridge the gap and offer a workable implementation model for smallholder farmers. The partnership with local agricultural service providers (SPs) will ensure the project is well-grounded in the local context, making it easier for farmers to access and utilize agricultural machinery.

Project Overview

The project will be conducted in Ghana and will focus on various key activities, including:

• - Sourcing used agricultural machinery and spare parts from Japan for export to Ghana.
• - Collaborating with local SPs to conduct operational trials of small to medium-sized agricultural machines.
• - Testing financing strategies, including Lease-to-Own arrangements, to facilitate access to machinery for farmers.
• - Establishing a multinational procurement and supply chain for machinery and spare parts.
• - Discussing standardization efforts by gathering operational data on maintenance and recovery processes.

Strength in Collaboration

Both Gransalto and Toshin bring unique strengths to this collaboration, enhancing the project's likelihood of success.

• - Toshin will handle the procurement and export of used agricultural machinery, along with providing technical advice on machine operation.
• - Gransalto will focus on coordinating with local SPs, designing and implementing the operational trials, collecting essential data, and developing a roadmap for commercialization and expansion.

Future Prospects

With this project officially underway, the two companies, in coordination with JICA, plan to examine specific research elements necessary for business success in Ghana. Data pertaining to operations, costs, maintenance, and repayment strategies will be critically analyzed to establish a standard model for business growth within Ghana. Looking beyond, the companies envision extending their efforts to surrounding countries, contributing to sustainable agricultural mechanization across the African region.

Learn About JICA Biz

JICA Biz aims to tackle social challenges in developing countries while supporting Japanese SMEs to expand their business horizons. The project accepted for the 2025 fiscal year is one of JICA's initiatives to support sustainable development goals, particularly aimed at alleviating poverty among smallholder farmers in Ghana. More information can be found at JICA's official website, which outlines their ongoing commitment to this important cause.

Company Information

Gransalto Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
URL: Gransalto

Toshin Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 7-1-106 Minami-Nanko Higashi, Suminoe-ku, Osaka
URL: Toshin

For inquiries, please contact Gransalto at [email protected].