Ghana has received US $2.5miliion support from the International Development (USAID) to enable smallholder farmers to get access to affordable fertiliser supply to increase food production.
The USAID/Ghana Missions Director, Kimberly Rosen made the announcement and said the initiative was in partnership with the private sector and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). An estimated 100,000 smallholder farmers in the Bono, Ashanti and Bono East Regions would benefit from the package.
Addressing challenges
Kimberly Rosen, speaking at the launch of the programme in Techiman, Ms Rosen, noted that the programme sought to help address challenges smallholder farmers face to become competitive. It is aimed at increasing investments that will enhance smallholder farmers, including women resilience through access to improve agricultural technologies, inputs and financing and markets. This, she noted had a dire consequence on food productivity and security as well as livelihoods of the people, particularly the rural folk.
“We know that this year a confluence of crisis threatens to push many Ghanaians into hunger. Food and fertiliser prizes are already high because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prices have soared even higher due to the Russia and Ukraine conflict. With sub-Saharan Africa hardest hit, we know this puts many families at risk,” she noted.
According to her, the US government flagship food security programme – Feed the Future was working with the private sector and the government to address the issue. Madam Elizabeth Dwamena, Chief Executive Officer of Northgate Agro, Supplier Credit Guarantee Dealer on her part said the support by USAID and its partners would not only benefit farmers, but fertiliser suppliers as well, adding that “Agro dealers will our utmost best to ensure effective implementation of the initiative.”
