Project Title

Automation of virgin coconut oil processing to drive export

Expanding the processing capacity and the range of products marketed by GKV, staff training and market opportunities to smallholder farmers
  1. Equipment acquisition for processing to expand GKV’s current capacity and expand the range of products generated and marketed
  2. Acquire ISO certification to enhance product quality and competitiveness
  3. Provision of ready market for 95 coconut growers and farmers
  1. Equipment acquisition for processing to expand GKV’s current capacity and expand the range of products generated and marketed
    • Acquire a coconut crusher and a separation equipment to enhance processing capacity
    • Increase existing production capacity from 5000 nut/8hrs or 320 l/8hrs to 25,000 nuts/8hrs or 320 l/hr in order to place GKV in a position to meet international orders
    • Produce the following value-added products:
      • Virgin Coconut Oil: process premium quality oils (900 litres per day) from coconut meat that meets international standards
      • Coconut Powder: process to minimize waste impact on the environment (45 tons per year)
      • Coconut Shells: convert shells into charcoals (carbons) to be used for activated carbons (28,800 tons per month)
  2. Coconut powder and charcoal production will move GKV towards its commitment to zero waste generation with a collective impact on sustainable development.

  3. Acquire ISO certification to enhance product quality and competitiveness
    • Organize 2 trainer of trainer sessions in FSSC 22000 - ISO and Food Safety for 65 staff of GKV
    • Obtain certification in FSSC 22000, HACCP, Organic, and Greenbelt to strengthen product quality and competitiveness
  4. Provision of ready market for 95 coconut growers and farmers
    • Set up a coconut network involving opinion leaders from six communities, farmers and GKV
    • Develop working / business relationship among network membership (MoU)
    • Acquire the services of PUM Expert to help GKV develop and improve its procurement strategy
    • Train 50 lead farmers in good agronomic practices for coconut and business skills; each of whom must train at least 10 other farmers
    • Provide 5,000 seedlings to at least 50 farmers and support them in cultivation
    • Increase the number of women farmers from whom coconut fruits are purchased from 10 to 30
    • Increase the number of men farmers from whom coconut fruits are purchased from 45 to 65
    • Increase the number of youth farmers (<35 years) from whom coconut fruits are purchased from 5 to 10
    • Collectively 1,400 tons of coconut purchased from farmers earning them 1,800,000 GHS of income per annum

The project will produce the following key deliverables at the end of the implementation period:

  • A coconut crusher and separation equipment installed and operational
  • FSSC 22000 - ISO, HACCP and Food Safety training conducted and all associated certifications obtained
  • A total of 237,000 litres of virgin oil coconut oil; 45 tons of coconut powder; 345,600 tons of coconut charcoal produced by end of year one
  • Five purchase agreements signed with local and international buyers or orders so obtained
  • Coconut networks set up in 6 communities and agreement signed with each of them
  • At least 5,000 seedlings supplied to 50 farmers and farmers supervised to go into cultivation
  • Good agronomic practices and business development skills trainings organized for 50 farmers
  • A total of 1,400 tons of coconut purchased from at least 95 growers and farmers (30 women, 65 men and 10 youth); and 1,800,000 GHS of income paid them by end of year one.
  • GKV’s turnover increased from 108,148.15 to 301,978.52 USD by end of year one