Organic Food Market Ghana Essay Example for Free

Organic Food Market Ghana Essay Main international trade partners| South Africa, Netherlands, India, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Switzerland, United States, France, Nigeria, Burkina, China, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Germany and etc. | Macro-economic opportunities and risks The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings placed Ghana at 63 place among 183 countries in 2012 (1 = best ranking), just behind Poland (62) and ahead of the Czech Republic (64). Ghana’s performance is defined as especially poor in â€Å"obtaining construction permits† and â€Å"resolving insolvency†. Nevertheless, Ghana is among the top five countries in sub- Saharan Africa. Economic risks in Ghana include a relatively high inflation rate of 10. 4% estimated in 2013. Consistently high unemployment over the years is another negative factor keeping the country in poverty. About 28. 5% of the total population is living below the poverty line. Other urgent challenges in Ghana are the inadequacies in education and health care that limit social development in the country. It also must address crime. Underdeveloped infrastructure, poor management of natural and human resources, and lack of a fully conducive and cordial business environment in the country also require public sector attention. According to the knowledge portal Global EDGE, Ghana’s strategic goals focus on future economic growth, improving quality of life by boosting employment and decreasing poverty, increased private investment and overall social and rural development. With such plans, international companies can expect incentives for initiating business in Ghana. Low corporate taxes, low equity requirements, custom duty exemptions forplants, machinery, equipment and parts, and relief from double taxation are some of the incentives and guarantees that the government presently offers to encourage future foreign investment. Coca-Cola Co. and Heinz have already been operating successfully in Ghana while companies like Caterpillar, Unilever, IBM, ATT, to name a few, are undertaking new investments. Companies are encouraged to establish themselves and operate in the country’s many potentially lucrative markets including hydro-power projects, pharmaceuticals and information technology. Subsequently, as African countries consider fully implementing the African Economic Community (AEC) established in 1991, Ghanas trading access to other African nations could increase significantly in the coming years. Ghana is a member of the World Trade Organization and has quota-free access to United States and European Union markets. The country has export free zones where goods can be traded without customs duties. The government is putting forth efforts to improve infrastructure to ensure hassle-free movement of goods and produce. While Ghana faces difficulties, all these factors make Ghana a promising market for foreign businesses. Organic food market data General Market size | n. a. | Market growth rate | n. a. | Domestic production | n. a. Exports (US$, 2006)| $75. 64 million| Imports | n. a. | Shares/sizes of market segments| Fresh fruits, vegetables, palm oil, cocoa, bananas, cashews, culinary herbs, cereals, cotton, shea butter and etc. | Number of producers, names of big producers, important brands| Benrod Group (producer and exporter), Ibrahim Jalilu Adventure (producer of spices), Botim Farms (group of cashew farmers), Joansspiceworld (producer of spices), Mercydan (black soap, red palm oil, coconut oil), Eagle Gold Company (gold, diamond), Best Organic Fodd Venture (organic food) and etc. Smallholder farms dominate the agricultural sector, accounting for about 80 percent of total production. (organic agriculture in general is well suited to small-scale farmers because usually small-scale farmers do not have much cash to purchase external inputs, chemical inputs, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers)| Typical distribution channels| The Ghana Organic Agriculture Network, Afrikeco Organic Products Ltd, Andea-African Network for Development of Ecological Agriculture, Armajaro Ghana Limited, Black Volta Organic Society, Ebenut, Ecasard-Ecumenical Ass. For Sustainable Agr. And Rur. , Eloc Farms Limited, Ghana Bio Network, Ghana Export Promotion Council, Ideal Providence Farms Accra, Integrated Tamale Fruit Company, Natures Best Fruit Ltd. , Quin Organics, Tracs Farms Ltd. , TOFA (Traditional Organic Farmers Association), Wad African Foods Ltd, Yayra Glover Limited| Characteristics of the organic food market Supply: Mainly from the domestic market Production: Fresh fruits (mainly pineapple, bananas, watermelon), vegetables, palm oil, cocoa, cashews, culinary herbs, cereals, cotton, shea butter and etc. Distribution: Just over 28% of the organic producers in Ghana export their production and the remaining 72% do not export their production, but possibly sell it domestically. With regards to exports, virtually all organic products (85%) are exported to Europe. The data is taken from a survey16 made in 2009 among 688 producers, marketers and consumers. Consumption: Worldwide sales of organic chocolate produced in Ghana increased to $304 million in 2005 from $171 million in 2002. However, the total market share of organic cocoa accounted for less than 0. 5% of total cocoa production in the same period, possibly because conventional cocoa yields more and is more profitable than organic cocoa. When a conventional producer converts to organic production, there is an immediate yield loss. Organic cocoa production has an estimated 30% lower yield than inorganic production. Additionally, a producer must wait three years for the organic certification that will allow him or her to be compensated with an organic price premium. Therefore a sufficient and stable organic price premium is needed. The current premium price of organic cocoa is far below the estimated premium needed to entice producers to switch to organic production. Information on yield loss and price premium trade-off is very important to cocoa producers to determine whether organic production is sufficiently profitable to be adopted. For manufacturers, the information indicates the price premium necessary to secure a reliable supply of organic cocoa. Opportunities and risks in the organic food market for DEG’s clients There are not many opportunities for import of organic food, because the organic market in Ghana is still relatively undeveloped. However, there are opportunities for export of organic agriculture, because about 19,132 hectares of land are under organic cultivation, which accounts for 0. 13 % of the total agricultural area in Ghana (IFOAM FiBL 2006). The risks are definitely big. Additional information Ghana has had little exposure to the global economic recession and will continue on its growth path. It is experiencing significant growth in 2011 and 2012 due to the start of oil production. Macroeconomic stability and ongoing reforms have contributed to economic expansion, which is helping the country to raise incomes and reduce poverty. There has been limited exposure to the global financial crisis, as banks rely on domestic funding. Case examples n. a. [ 1 ]. http://www. ghanaembassy. org/index. php? page=population [ 2 ]. http://www. tradingeconomics. com/ghana/gdp [ 3 ]. http://www. tradingeconomics. com/ghana/gdp-growth [ 4 ]. http://www. indexmundi. com/ghana/gdp_per_capita_%28ppp%29. html [ 5 ]. http://www. tradingeconomics. com/ghana/inflation-cpi [ 6 ]. http://www. tradingeconomics. com/ghana/unemployment-rate [ 7 ]. http://www. indexmundi.com/ghana/gdp_composition_by_sector. html [ 8 ]. http://ageconsearch. umn. edu/bitstream/95955/2/54. %20Market%20potential%20for%20organic%20fruit%20in%20Ghana. pdf [ 9 ]. http://countries. bridgat. com/Ghana_Trade_Partners. html#. UXRcpMo-mE0 [ 10 ]. http://www. globalatlanta. com/article/25667/ghana-overview-of-economic-risks-rewards/ [ 11 ]. http://ageconsearch. umn. edu/bitstream/95955/2/54. %20Market%20potential%20for%20organic%20fruit%20in%20Ghana. pdf [ 12 ]. http://www. intracen. org/exporters/organic-products/country-focus/Country-Profile-Ghana/ [ 13 ]. http://gh. tradeford. com/suppliers/organic-spices [ 14 ]. http://www. organic-bio. com/en/advanced-search2/? prgrp1=0prgrp2=0prgrp3=0prgrp4=name=certification=0city=prodgrp1=0country=63prodgrp2=0 ®ion=0prodgrp3=0phone=contact=service=0fair=0 [ 15 ]. http://www. intracen. org/exporters/organic-products/country-focus/Country-Profile- Ghana/ [ 16 ]. http://www. ifoam. org/about_ifoam/around_world/aosc_pages/pdf/Status-of-Organic-Agriculture-in-Ghana-Baseline-Survey-2009. pdf [ 17 ]. http://www3. ambest. com/ratings/cr/reports/Ghana. pdf.

Richard Connells The Most Dangerous Game Essay -- Richard Connell Mos

Richard Connell's The Most Dangerous Game In Richard Connell's short story, "The Most Dangerous Game';, the use of literary devices, found blended with other literary devices, gives the story an inner meaning. The blending of literary devices effectively expresses the intentions of Connell to present contrast between the antagonist and protagonist points of view. As a result, the reader can gain insight on the good and evil sides of the story to enhance the purpose of his interpretation. "The Most Dangerous Game'; by Richard Connell presents literary devices such as foreshadowing, setting, and irony which reveal the underlying meaning of the story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Connell's use of foreshadowing creates an atmosphere of mystery and a hesitant feeling of not knowing what events will occur. For instance, Zaroff "has ceased [hunting]'; because all the animals "had become too easy'; to chase; but one animal has a certain characteristic of being "able to reason'; which rekindles his passion for the thrill of the hunt (68). The vague statement at which Zaroff makes at Rainsford obviously hints toward humans as being the animal of reason because referring to the statement Rainsford makes in the early stages of the story, he asserts that animals do not feel or think. Now that Rainsford conceives the idea that Zaroff hunts humans, it provides Rainsford with a frustrating mental reaction of fear and anger because Zaroff openly declares that he poaches humans for amusement and yet Rainsford feels the anxiety of dying in his sick game. Equally important, while Zaroff hunts strategically, "[his] brain against [Rainsford]'; (71), "it sent a shudder of cold horror'; in the flowing veins of Rainsford because of the fear that he will "lose [his] nerve'; (73). Immediately, when Rainsford enters the repulsive jungle, he knows that the strategy for staying alive becomes not only physically, but by remaining mentally strong and not losing his nerves. For this reason, by staying on objective and visualizing his goal of achieving victory over Zaroff; Rainsford will not have to worry about weakness from hunger because he will be full of hope and optimism for the rest of his life. Connell utilizes foreshadowing in a way that other authors do not compare because when he uses an event that contains foreshadowing, he does not state it candidly but blends foreshadowing into story like the ... ...ting, and irony essential to the effect of the story, Connell utilizes his command of these literary devices to relate to the everyday life of the reader. Throughout the story, Zaroff exclaims that when he murders animals, it does not excite him which leads him to kill humans. The wrongful action which Zaroff commits demonstrates the way the world behaves today, specifically the hunting world. For this reason in the hunting world of today, people kill animals for either game or for enjoyment; but what perverse mind enjoys that slaughter of creatures? The violence of today exists all around where people call home or gather to socialize with other people. For example, when people leave their home to watch movies; people mostly watch violent or action movies for their exciting content. As soon as the movie ends, people come away from the theater with sadistic images which begins the desensitization from violence. The world today must recognize this event that happens to often to the population of the world today because when people view violent movies frequently and feel nothing, people become like Zaroff and kill animals or people because movies do not provide enough exhilaration.

City of God Analysis

Edited by Ku’ulei  © PhotoWeekly Edited by Ku’ulei  © PhotoWeekly Based on a true story, the movie â€Å"City Of God† tells the story of a man named Wilson Rodrigues (also known as Rocket) and how he became a photographer. Although that was the main storyline of the movie, it had many things to build up to him becoming a photographer. In this â€Å"city of god†, Rocket and another guy named â€Å"lil ze† both grew up together in a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. One, Rocket, becomes a photographer and the other becomes a drug dealer. The director, Fernando Meirelles, illustrated a great story of how greed can ruin someone’s life.Lil Ze’ used to be called Lil Dice. He didn’t like getting picked on by the older gang members so he started shooting out of his own will and killing innocent people. Ever since then, he started his own gang and needed to be the top of everyone. He needed to have everything. For example, thereâ€℠¢s one part in the story where someone that he hated (knockout ned) was in the paper, and he wasn’t. He got furious at that one little thing. Why? because of his greed that he had. Compared to Rocket, where he has little greed, he appreciates the things that he is given.If Rocket was so greedy, he wouldn’t have been this famous that he is now. It kind of reminds me of the presidential election that’s going on right now. Every candidate has greed. They need to have the most top-notch thing before the other candidate gets it. We all can’t help it, because the world is filled with this thing called greed. Because Lil Ze had so much greed, he killed innocent people so that he could get money and become number one in the gang industry. I don’t understand how people can’t just be more like Rocket.Although Rocket grew up in a bad environment, it didn’t mean he had to live his whole life like that. Overall, this movie’s theme is all ab out greed and what you do with it. I would give this movie a 5 out of 5. Although killings not worth the money, watching this movie is worth the money. Based on a true story, the movie â€Å"City Of God† tells the story of a man named Wilson Rodrigues (also known as Rocket) and how he became a photographer. Although that was the main storyline of the movie, it had many things to build up to him becoming a photographer.In this â€Å"city of god†, Rocket and another guy named â€Å"lil ze† both grew up together in a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. One, Rocket, becomes a photographer and the other becomes a drug dealer. The director, Fernando Meirelles, illustrated a great story of how greed can ruin someone’s life. Lil Ze’ used to be called Lil Dice. He didn’t like getting picked on by the older gang members so he started shooting out of his own will and killing innocent people. Ever since then, he started his own gang and needed to be the top of everyone. He needed to have everything.For example, there’s one part in the story where someone that he hated (knockout ned) was in the paper, and he wasn’t. He got furious at that one little thing. Why? because of his greed that he had. Compared to Rocket, where he has little greed, he appreciates the things that he is given. If Rocket was so greedy, he wouldn’t have been this famous that he is now. It kind of reminds me of the presidential election that’s going on right now. Every candidate has greed. They need to have the most top-notch thing before the other candidate gets it.We all can’t help it, because the world is filled with this thing called greed. Because Lil Ze had so much greed, he killed innocent people so that he could get money and become number one in the gang industry. I don’t understand how people can’t just be more like Rocket. Although Rocket grew up in a bad environment, it didn’t mean he had to live h is whole life like that. Overall, this movie’s theme is all about greed and what you do with it. I would give this movie a 5 out of 5. Although killings not worth the money, watching this movie is worth the money. Is Killing worth the money? Is Killing worth the money?

Metafiction Poking Fun at the Conventions of Fiction

Novels and stories that examine, experiment with, or poke fun at the conventions of fiction itself can all be classified as metafiction.   The term metafiction literally means beyond fiction or over fiction, indicating that the author or narrator stands beyond or over the fictional text and judges it or observes it in a highly self-conscious way.   Its important to note that unlike literary criticism or analysis, metafiction is itself fictional. Simply commenting on a work of fiction doesnt make that work metafiction. Confused? Heres a good example to better understand the distinction. Jean Rhys and the Madwoman in the Attic The 1847 novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is widely considered a classic of Western literature, which was quite radical in its day. The novels titular woman struggles through extreme hardships and finally finds true love with her boss, Edward Rochester. On the day of their wedding, she discovers hes already married, to a mentally unstable woman he keeps locked in the attic of the house where he and Jane live. Many critics have written about Brontes madwoman in the attic device, including examining whether it fits into feminist literature and what the woman may or may not represent. But the 1966 novel Wide Sargasso Sea retells the story from the point of view of the madwoman. How did she get in that attic? What happened between her and Rochester? Was she always mentally ill? Even though  the story itself is fiction, Wide Sargasso Sea is a commentary on Jane Eyre and the fictional characters in that novel (and to some extent, on Bronte herself).   Wide Sargasso Sea, then, is an example of metafiction, while the non-fictional literary criticisms of Jane Eyre are not.   Additional Examples of Metafiction Metafiction is not restricted to modern literature. Chaucers Canterbury Tales, written in the 15th century, and Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes, written a century later, are both considered classics of the genre.  Chaucers work tells the story of a group of pilgrims headed to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket who are telling their own stories as part of a contest to win a free meal. And Don Quixote is the tale of the man of La Mancha who tilts at windmills in order to reestablish the traditions of knighthood.   And even older works such as Homers The Odyssey and the medieval English epic Beowulf contain reflections on storytelling, characterization, and inspiration.   Metafiction and Satire Another prominent type of metafiction is literary parody or satire. Though such works dont always involve self-conscious narration, they are still classified as metafiction because they call attention to popular writing techniques and genres. Among the most widely-read examples of this kind of metafiction are Jane Austens Northanger Abbey, which holds the Gothic novel up to lighthearted mockery; and James Joyces Ulysses, which reconstructs and lampoons writing styles from throughout the history of the English language. The classic of the genre is Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Travels, which parodies contemporary politicians (though remarkably many of Swifts references are so well-disguised that their true meanings are lost to history). Varieties of Metafiction   In the postmodern era, whimsical retellings of earlier fictional stories have also become extremely popular. A few of the most prominent of these are John Barths Chimera, John Gardners Grendel and Donald Barthelmes Snow White. In addition, some of the best-known metafictions combine an extreme consciousness of fictional technique with experiments in other forms of writing. James Joyces Ulysses, for example, is formatted partially as a closet drama, while Vladimir Nabokovs novel Pale Fire is partially a confessional narrative, partially a long poem and partially a series of scholarly footnotes.