COLEAD carried out a comprehensive diagnosis of Complete Farmer's outgrower model and training system, an assignment delivered in the context of the EDFI MC - AgriFI Facility / COLEAD cooperation agreement (link HERE).
Complete Farmer connects farmers to domestic and international markets through technology-driven solutions. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Accra, the company works with 52.461 smallholder farmers and 11.892 in their farmer network. Its commodities - chilli pepper, ginger, soybean and sweet potato, sold fresh and dried - are largely destined for export, reaching markets such as the European Union, India and Dubai.
A two-phase diagnostic journey
The assignment combined quantitative and qualitative methods - surveys, document reviews, stakeholder interviews, group discussions, SWOT analysis and field observations - across two complementary phases.
The first examined the relationship with outgrowers, looking at farmer selection and inclusion, market linkages, input supply, contract transparency, technology use, regulatory compliance, certification support and risk management. The second assessed the training system itself, from content and target groups to delivery methods, internal resources and post-training follow-up.
Building on real strengths
The findings pointed to real strengths to build on: trust-based relationships with farmers, prompt payments, continuous technical support, and a well-equipped operational base. At the same time, they identified opportunities to further professionalise the outgrower scheme - notably through stronger farmer organisation, governance and monitoring arrangements, and continued capacity building on good agricultural practices and certification requirements.
Sharpening the training system
On the training side, a solid agronomic foundation stood out, alongside room to strengthen governance and documentation, the consistency of training delivery, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Broadening content on topics such as food safety, traceability and business skills, and paying closer attention to inclusivity, were also flagged as valuable next steps.
A roadmap for growth
Together, these insights now feed into a roadmap for a structured and resilient sourcing model - one well positioned to capture growing opportunities linked to certification and expanding organic markets. It's a clear illustration of how targeted technical diagnostics can translate into concrete pathways for stronger, more sustainable agricultural value chains.