$40.1M boost for agric
-As ESRF revitalises farming communities through transformative projects
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has initiated groundbreaking works on several infrastructure projects.
The ceremony marked the commencement of endeavors under the Emergency Support to Rural Livelihoods and Food Systems exposed to COVID-19 (ESRF), a pivotal project steered by the Ministry.
Held in Kwasi Fante, Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region, the event unveiled a spectrum of transformative projects aimed at revitalizing farming communities across the nation.
Transformative projects
Among the key initiatives are the construction of farm tracks (roads), water harvesting schemes, drying platforms, and boreholes, strategically designed to bolster agricultural productivity and mitigate challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
Noteworthy among the projects is the ambitious undertaking of establishing a 100-hectare water harvesting scheme in Tordzinu, South Tongu District, and Klenormadi, Ketu District, in the Volta Region.
Additionally, plans are underway to erect 16 commodity drying platforms and pave approximately 29.5 kilometers of farm tracks across various regions.
Moreover, the installation of 20 boreholes in critical regions including North-East Gonja, Nanton, Atebubu, Bono East, Northern, and Savannah regions is set to alleviate water scarcity woes faced by farmers.
$40.1m project
The total funding for the project is $40.1 million, including an International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) loan of $20 million.
The breakdown of the amount includes an estimated co-financing from the Government of Ghana (through exemptions on taxes and duties) amounting to $5.3 million, representing 12.6% of the total cost.
Additionally, there is a beneficiary contribution of $11.2 million, which represents 27% of the total cost, and contributions from other development partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the Government of Canada, among others.
26,700 agriculture supply chain actors
Under the programme, a total of 26,700 agriculture supply chain actors in 61 districts have been supported with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sensitization.
About 24,782 smallholder farmers across 14 regions have also received agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and improved seeds for rice, maize, soya, and vegetables.
This has helped maintain and increase their production, food security, and climate change resilience.
Cash transfers to 4,790 vulnerable beneficiaries
Cash transfers have been provided to about 4,790 vulnerable beneficiaries, including 19% females and five per cent persons with disabilities, to overcome hunger and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Poultry intervention aims to improve the livelihoods and nutrition security of targeted households by supporting smallholder farmers with production packs, training, and best broiler management practices across 11 districts in the Ashanti, Bono, Greater Accra, and Volta regions.
Digital extension support is promoting digital extension services through private and public extension agents, focusing on crop production practices, food conservation/preservation, and animal production practices.
Smallholder processing groups, particularly women and youth groups, are being supported with livelihood equipment and training to enhance their capacity in the conservation, preservation, and processing of food.
Dr. Acheampong underscored the imperative of maintaining stringent construction standards and emphasized community involvement in preserving and utilizing these assets effectively.
Expressing optimism, he highlighted the resilience-building potential of these projects against the backdrop of climate change-induced adversities.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Acheampong lauded their unwavering support in realizing these endeavors.
He rallied stakeholders to synergize efforts in propelling Ghana’s agricultural sector towards prosperity.
Speaking at the ceremony, the ESRF Programme Coordinator, Dr. Hayford Baah-Adade, shed light on the overarching objectives of the project.
Dr. Baah-Adade elucidated on the multifaceted approach adopted by ESRF, encompassing hunger alleviation, livelihood resilience building, and fortification of rural marketing linkages to bolster food security in the country.
Furthermore, Dr. Baah-Adade stressed the meticulous selection of contractors based on their proven expertise and track record in executing infrastructure projects.
He urged supervising agencies to maintain vigilance in overseeing project implementation and ensuring adherence to set standards.
