Boosting agricultural productivity, food security in northern Ghana

The government has launched the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II (PFJ 2.0) initiative, aimed at promoting commercial production of maize, rice, soya bean and poultry and improving food security in the country. 

Under this initiative, three key projects are being implemented in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone, the Savannah Investment Programme (SIP), and the Savannah Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (SADEP). These projects are funded by the African Development Bank and have already recorded significant achievements.

A unified approach

Prior to the launch of PFJ 2.0, numerous projects within the agriculture sector were operating in silos, lacking a cohesive approach. Upon taking office as the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong recognised this challenge and worked tirelessly to streamline and harmonise these initiatives. 

Significant achievements

Since the inception of these projects, significant achievements have been recorded. The total land area under cultivation has increased from 80 hectares in 2018 to 38,230 hectares, with 454 medium to large-scale commercial farmers supported.

Last year's farming season saw 78,351 out-growers supported to cultivate maize, soya bean and rice under conservation agriculture practices.

The projects have also recorded impressive yields, with 146,205 tonnes of maize, 38,913 tonnes of rice, and 13,860 tonnes of soya bean harvested from farmers' fields.

The yield levels have improved significantly, with maize recording 5.7 tonnes per hectare, rice recording 5.1 tonnes per hectare, and soya bean recording 2.8 tonnes per hectare by adopting the use of improved seed and conservation agriculture practices.

The projects have provided support to farmers through market facilitation, allowing them to sell their harvested grains to off-takers, including Ghana Nuts Company, Rockland Feeds, Starpro, VADD Ltd, and other private agro-industries.

The projects have also helped farmers access affordable and timely inputs, including seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals.

The projects have encouraged female participation in commercial farming, with 45 female farmers owning an average of 500 hectares of land. This is a significant achievement, as women's access to land can be challenging without project support.

Breeding and rearing

The projects have supported the breeding and rearing of small ruminants (goats and sheep) and poultry birds. A total of 13,000 small ruminants have been distributed to 664 outbreeders in 10 municipalities and breeding stations and 50 livestock breeding stations. The motivation is to multiply the population of small ruminants.  

The projects have also provided support to women and youth for egg production, with a total of 1,000 beneficiaries receiving packages, including battery cages, pullets, feed, vaccines and medication. The layer intervention has since December 2021 recorded 25,895 million eggs.

TAAT programme

The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme is an integral part of the African Development Bank's Feed Africa Strategy 2016-2025. The programme aims to raise agricultural productivity in Africa by harnessing proven technologies and increasing food output by 100 million tonnes by 2025 eggs and creating livelihoods for women and youth.

The Sustainable Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP), SIP and SADEP projects are making significant strides in boosting agricultural productivity and food security in Ghana.

The projects have supported commercial farmers, improved yields, and provided support to farmers through market facilitation and access to affordable inputs.

The projects have also encouraged female participation in commercial farming and supported the breeding and rearing of small ruminants and poultry birds.

With the support of the African Development Bank and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, these projects are poised to continue making a positive impact on Ghana's agricultural sector.

The writer is the Head of the PR Unite of the MoFA
Writer’s email: bagbara@gmail.com