Provide support to FBOs - Farmer association tells govt

The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana (CFAG) has urged the government to provide direct financial support to farmer-based organisations (FBOs)  to enable them to carry out their activities effectively. 

That, it said, would empower FBOs to promote good agricultural practices among members, attract and retain the youth in the agricultural sector, enhance the capacity of farmers to adopt modern farming techniques, improve the livelihoods of farmers and their families, as well as “protect and preserve agricultural lands and natural resources for future generations.”

“The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana believes that with the right support, FBOs can drive the transformation of the agricultural sector. 

Relationship

“We look forward to a collaborative relationship with the government to ensure the prosperity of our farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole,” a statement signed by the President of the Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana, Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu II, said.

It said while it appreciated the government's efforts, it wished to emphasise that recognition and support for FBOs were crucial to the success of agricultural initiatives.

It said FBOs, such as the association, were the backbone of agricultural development at the grassroots level.

However, the statement said FBOs faced significant challenges in sustaining their operations due to limited financial resources.

Sell

“For the past 20 years, the Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana has had to resort to selling brooms to facilitate our programmes and support farmers.

This has been a huge financial burden, diverting resources that could have been used for more impactful initiatives. Despite this, we remain committed to serving our farmers and contributing to the agricultural sector,” it said.

In addition, it said the association had been spending heavily to protect the country’s cocoa from the devastating effects of galamsey and to support rubber farmers.

“Additionally, we have been advocating for the protection of agricultural lands from real estate developers who seek to convert them into residential and commercial properties.

These efforts are crucial to ensuring the sustainability of our agricultural sector and the livelihoods of farmers,” it said.