New Agri-Input Hub launched in Yagaba to boost last-mile farmer access
The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), in collaboration with global agribusiness ETG, has inaugurated a new Farmer Service Centre hub in Yagaba aimed at improving smallholder farmers’ access to quality inputs, training, and market linkages.
Dubbed the AFAP-ETG Agri-Input Hub, the facility is designed to tackle persistent challenges of affordability and availability of agricultural inputs while providing continuous practical training on improved farming technologies and post-harvest practices. The initiative also seeks to create decent employment opportunities for local youth.
The launch event was attended by local officials, farmers, and representatives from the agriculture sector. A representative of the District Chief Executive, Adam Karim, welcomed the project, emphasising its significance for the community.
“Access to quality farm inputs has been a significant challenge for many farmers in our district, leading to low yields, reduced incomes, and increased stress levels. However, today, we embark on a new chapter. This initiative will not only enhance crop yields in the district but also alleviate the stress and hassle associated with accessing inputs,” Karim stated.
Zachariah Kwabena, the District Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), delivered a keynote address reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring the growth of the input shop operated under AFAP’s Community-Based Advisor (CBA) model.
Nana-Aisha Mohammed, AFAP’s Regional Director for West Africa and Country Manager for Ghana, highlighted the broader vision behind the hub. She stated that the launch marked “a bold step towards strengthening last-mile access to quality inputs and creating business opportunities for the youth.” She also expressed gratitude to AGRA and ETG for their support and called on other input companies to join the effort to reach farmers in remote communities.
Mr Jonas Ayanore, Technical Sales Agronomist at ETG, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to the partnership, noting that ETG’s motto is “if farmers grow, we grow too.” He explained that the collaboration aligns with ETG’s goal of creating sustainable impact and “spreading 360 degrees happiness” among farmers.
The AFAP-ETG Agri-Input Hub builds on AFAP’s existing CBA model, which has already engaged over 1,500 youth across Ghana in entrepreneurship and extension service delivery. The initiative is seen as a milestone in enhancing Ghana’s agricultural value chain through effective public-private partnership.