Let’s increase funding for agriculture
The neglect of agriculture in the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation is a recipe for disaster, with far-reaching consequences for Ghana's economic growth, food security and rural development.
The agricultural sector, which employs over 50 per cent of the population and contributes significantly to the country's GDP, has been conspicuously left out of the recent GH¢987.96 million disbursement to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
This oversight is alarming, given the critical role agriculture plays in Ghana's economic development. Initiatives such as the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project, the Savannah Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme, the Inland Valley Rice Development Project and the Youth in Agriculture Programme are crucial for promoting agricultural growth, improving food security and reducing poverty in rural areas.
These programmes aim to boost productivity, increase crop yields and attract young people to agriculture, but they are likely to be hindered by limited funding.
The absence of direct funding for agriculture in the DACF allocation represents a significant misalignment between national development objectives and local government planning. Ghana's agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, and neglecting it will seriously impact the country's food security, employment, and economic growth. The sector's contribution to GDP, employment, and food security cannot be overstated, and policymakers must prioritise agriculture to stimulate economic growth and development.
The district-level Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) offices remain severely underfunded, with extension officers lacking essential tools, mobility, and digital infrastructure. This has resulted in unacceptably high officer-to-farmer ratios, restricting their effectiveness in supporting farmers.
To address this challenge, innovative and strategic approaches are needed to sustain service delivery and catalyse local economic development in agriculture.
One potential solution is diversifying and strengthening Internally Generated Funds (IGF) by improving collection systems for property rates, market tolls, and business permits through digitisation, with a portion explicitly allocated for agricultural development and extension services. This will enable district assemblies to generate revenue and invest in agricultural initiatives that foster growth and development.
Establishing agricultural land banks in partnership with traditional authorities is another strategy that can attract investors and facilitate land access for young people.
This will promote agricultural development, create jobs, and increase food production, ultimately contributing to Ghana's economic growth and food security.
Utilising partnerships with NGOs, CSOs, and donor-funded projects for co-financing opportunities is also vital. These collaborations can offer essential funding and technical support to bolster agricultural initiatives, foster innovation, and enhance the reach of agricultural programmes.
Efficient utilisation of allocated resources is essential for transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ensuring that resources reach the intended beneficiaries and are utilised as planned is crucial for the success of agricultural initiatives.
The Planting for Food and Jobs programme, which received over GH¢5 billion in investment, highlights the importance of prudent resource management.
As Ghana pursues its 24-hour economy policy, the significance of agriculture cannot be overstated. The sector provides food and raw materials for industries, serving as a cornerstone of the economy. Emphasising agriculture and using resources efficiently will boost the sector and promote economic growth, food security, and rural development.
For us, neglecting agriculture in the DACF allocation is a recipe for disaster. Ghana's agricultural sector needs urgent attention and investment to promote economic growth, food security, and rural development.
Policymakers must prioritise agriculture, ensure the efficient use of resources, and adopt innovative and strategic approaches to sustain service delivery and promote local economic development in agriculture. By doing so, Ghana can unlock the potential of its agricultural sector and secure a prosperous future for its people.