The Vegetable Hub of Excellence (VHE) is a collaboration between the University of Ghana and Defarmercist, funded by the MTN Foundation. The purpose is to be a dynamic hub for innovation, hands‑on learning, and sustainable vegetable production practices. The VHE addresses key challenges in Ghana’s vegetable value chain: low productivity, limited expertise, and lack of access to modern technology.
Beneficiaries and Training
300 beneficiaries will be trained: University of Ghana students, unemployed youth, and smallholder women farmers over 2 years.
Four Training pillars:
Digital Agriculture – use of mobile apps for early pest and disease detection, soil testing tools for soil health management and data for smarter farming.
Farm Mechanization – use of modern equipment to reduce manual labour for land preparation and bed formation.
Protected Horticulture – The use of greenhouse structures as a climate smart tool to produce vegetables under controlled environmental conditions
Irrigation, Crop Nutrition and Postharvest Management – The use of drip irrigation systems for irrigation and fertilizer application in vegetable production as well as post-harvest technology and food safety.
Benefits to the University Of Ghana
Training and Support for Beneficiaries - Establishing a program to equip selected University of Ghana beneficiaries with the skills to cultivate vegetables for supply to the campus sales outlet.
"Practical Learning Hub – As part of the University of Ghana’s fourth hands-on training center for Level 200 Agriculture students, this hub enhances experiential learning by strengthening practical knowledge and skills in vegetable production."
Internship Program - Providing University of Ghana students with internship opportunities to gain firsthand experience in sustainable vegetable farming and agribusiness operations.
Student Recruitment Pathway - Creating employment opportunities for University of Ghana students through recruitment by the Centre and other stakeholders.
Impact and Significance
Strategic focus on youth (including UG students) and women farmers ensures long‑term sustainability and empowerment.
Connects to Ghana’s broader goals of agricultural modernization, job creation, and inclusive growth.
The Vegetable Hub of Excellence was commissioned on December 3rd 2025.
