Dobidi agric initiative to benefit 5,000 youth in northern Ghana

More than 5,000 youth in northern Ghana are set to benefit from the Dobidi initiative, a government flagship agricultural programme aimed at boosting food production and improving livelihoods.

The initiative seeks to provide input support to smallholder farmers, including certified seeds, fertiliser, technical assistance, and harvesting equipment such as combine harvesters, with the overall goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and creating sustainable jobs in the region.

Initiated by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Special Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness in collaboration with private sector partners, it is being piloted with the cultivation of 10,000 acres of rice, 5,000 acres of soya beans and 50,000 acres of maize farms across the five regions of the north.

Speaking to the media after a field visit in the North East Region, the Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, indicated that more than 9,000 farmers had registered so far, exceeding the target of 5,000.

He added that the initiative is expected to yield approximately three million bags of maize, rice and soya beans, which would help enhance food security and reduce importation.

Addressing challenges

Dr Otokunor acknowledged limited access to inputs and finance as major challenges affecting productivity and expressed confidence that the Dobidi initiative would help address the challenges and improve agricultural output.

“This programme is designed to remove barriers for smallholder farmers and ensure they have the resources they need, but we will not condone moral hazard; farmers must cooperate honestly for the sustainability of the programme,” he said.

He admonished the farmers to form cooperatives and collaborate with private partners to ensure the success of the initiative.

The Chief Executive Officer of Afaani Royal Enterprise, Mohammed Yussif Malimali, lauded the government for involving the private sector in implementing the project.

“Unlike past interventions, this initiative is comprehensive and inclusive.

It offers a robust out-grower scheme that will increase productivity,” he stated.

He said the private partners were well-equipped with the experience, machinery and farm inputs to support smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.

He called on the youth to take an active interest in the programme and expand their production capacity beyond their current levels.