WEST AFRICA

Benin

New Ginnery Development 1997-98 Brian Jackson carried out the Phase 1 to review of the process design, equipment and buildings, identified additional ancillary equipment and prepared a critical path plan to complete the construction and commissioning. Colin Sayers provided the Phase 2 on site supervision of construction,with Derek Haigh specifying the power generation and electrical distribution system. (Click here to see some photographs taken by Alan Rathbone who visited Nikki some years later)

Acid De-linting Plant1997 Henry Fargus carried a review of the process equipment and buildings, identified additional ancillary equipment and prepared a critical path plan to complete the construction and commissioning. Jim Watson provided advice on the process design.

Cameroon

Palm Oil Refinery 1989 Feasibility study on the current and potential market for refined oils. Colin Sayers together with a marketing specialist carried out a comprehensive review of the sourcing of raw materials, the competition, determination of the appropriate price level to penetrate the market, the distribution and payment systems. This information was used to make recommendations to the client on the viability of the construction of an oil refinery to replace imports.

Chad

 Chad Trade Fair/Agribusiness Activity for Agribusiness Operations 1994 Brian Jackson organised a trade mission to the USA involving 10 Chadian traders. Funded by USAID Chad, the traders spent three weeks visiting different businesses in the country and obtained several firm orders for their products, notably hides and skins, gum arabic sesame seed and hibiscus. The itinerary was set up, commercial contacts established, including one week at the Atlanta food fair. Three French-speaking facilitators were supplied to accompany the mission.

Cote D' Ivoire

Ginnery Privatisation 1997Iain Black appraised six ginneries to be privatised, and provided recommendations on their condition and a valuation of the assets.

Maize Mill Project 1989 Bernard Giles carried out a technical appraisal of possible construction and operation of a maize mill at Yamoussoukro. Analysis of raw material supply and mechanical requirements.

The Gambia

 Preparation of Cash Flow Forecasts 1997David Heydon assisted an international group to prepare their buying campaign for the 1997/98 groundnut crop.

 Financial and Private Enterprise Support Services 1993-95 The project aimed to foster private sector investment in resource based industries generating economic growth and increased employment. It enhanced the capabilities of the private sector to identify and respond to viable private investment, development and expansion opportunities Specific project components included:a review of packaging requirements and the feasibility of establishing a box factory; an analysis of the European markets by Peter Clarke for a selection of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers together with recommendations for improving product quality; Dan Nicholson appraised a feasibility study for establishing a papain production and processing company; an assessment of the potential for sesame products by Colin Sayers; organisation of investment promotion mission to Europe; preparation of business plans for four export oriented farms; Jim Turnbull organised the national pavilion at UK's Royal Show; rescue package put together by Roger White and Fiona Dixon for a cut flower operation.

 Technical Assistance to GPMB 1991-94 A Technical Assistance Programme to GPMB (MTIE). The Project involved the viable processing of the 90/91 groundnut crop purchased by GPMB and the private. Colin Sayers was the team leader, operations manager and a member of GPMB Board. The team developed a business plan and assisted in the successful privatisation. Proposals were put forward for the rehabilitation of the river fleet, staffing and marketing strategies.

Privatisation of The Gambia Produce Marketing Board 1990 The study, led by Colin Sayers, provided practical assistance to the Gambia Produce Marketing Board to improve short term operating efficiency together with recommendations for privatisation in the longer term.

Ghana

 Cotton and Coffee Round Tables 1997 Jim Watson and Bill Mitchell participated in industry wide initiatives to promote the sectors.

Cotton Sector Study 1996 Sector planning study as part of the Agricultural Diversification Project which aims to develop alternative crops in the cocoa belt. A Cotton Development Project was identified and proposals developed by Jim Watson concerning farmer organisation, animal traction, credit, research, ginnery development and training.

Coffee Sector Study 1996Study of progress and potentials in the coffee component of the Agricultural Diversification Project. Potential for export development was explored by Bill Mitchell and recommendations drawn up for smallholder development and research.

Trade and Investment Promotion 1995, 1996 and 1997 Jim Turnbull, Brian Jackson and Alan Willens provided project management for the design and construction of Ghana's first ever stand at the Royal Show. Brochure material was prepared, press releases written and display material procured including: fresh fruit,vegetables and shellfish, processed food, furniture, handicrafts and tourism. A pre-show training programme was organised by John Clark for the participating Ghanaians. The stand achieved significant and positive press coverage and generated numerous trade enquiries. The exercise was repeated and developed in 1996 and again in 1997. Ghana have exhibited at the Royal Show every year since then (to 2004) and are considered by the Show organisers as one of the star attractions in the international village.

Guinea

 Nucleus Farm and Nursery for Gari Factory 1979-82 Soil and topographical surveys of nucleus farm and nursery sites were completed and a Master Plan produced. Ted Watt, farm management advisor, working with Guinean counterparts, implemented the plan. Jim Turnbull provided further planning and management expertise to develop the farm to supply all of the raw material to the new gari factory.

Nigeria

Sugar Study 1993 Michael Tinne led a team which evaluated the current status of sugar production and processing and presented the NSDC with an overview of the industry and the medium/long term needs to restructure and develop the industry to enable the Government to reach its ultimate objectives of being self-sufficient in sugar. Recommendations included the need for greenfield development and several sites were considered for cane production and processing.

Provision of Management Expertise to CAP 1992-93 Michael Tinne was Executive Director to a company involved in the cotton processing and ginning industry throughout northern Nigeria. He had special responsibilities for planning, marketing and research.

Socio-Economic Survey of Farms in Tobacco-Growing Areas of Oyo State 1987-88 Jim Turnbull supervised the organisation of a socio-economic survey of farms in the tobacco growing areas of Oyo State. A preliminary Baseline Survey was followed by a detailed survey.

Technical Appraisal and Pre-Investment Study for Cattle Ranching and Related Agricultural Development 1985 The livestock specialist visited Nigeria to advise the client on the investment potential of a cattle ranch in Benue State. It was recommended that the investment was sufficiently attractive to justify further negotiations with the State Government. In addition Jim Turnbull made recommendations for the development of arable farming and feedlots in association with the cattle ranch.

 Sierra Leone

 Cocoa Processing 1997Henry Fargus was processing specialist on a team assessing the feasibility of a project to refurbish and recommission a facility near Freetown. A full technical audit of the plant was undertaken and recommendations were made to expand the capacity and resume operations. Additionally, proposals were made for the production of a soluble cocoa-based drink powder, including suitable equipment and operating costs.

 Marketing Study on Cassava and Vegetables 1992 Fiona Dixon surveyed the markets for cassava and vegetables in two districts to assess the extent and geographical distribution of the crops, the nature of the trade and the seasonal trends. Constraints to greater participation in production were identified. The final report recommended activities to develop the market.

 Zaire

 Land Use Survey and Farm Development 1986 A detailed planning study for the development of a 5,000 ha production unit. The study covered an assessment of the land resources (soil, water), present and alternative cropping systems, market analysis, economic analysis, and financial and production planning. Essential oils, spices and food crops were considered.JimTurnbull provided backstopping from the UK.

For further information contact JWTurnbull@bmc-ltd.com

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