Empowering Ghana’s Farmers: A US$1 Million Boost for Northern Agriculture
In a groundbreaking move to transform agriculture in Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has partnered with ARB Apex Bank to launch a US$1 million Revolving Fund under the Food and Nutrition Security Resilience Project. This initiative, funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP), aims to uplift smallholder farmers, particularly women-led groups, in 12 northern districts. Let’s dive into how this fund is set to revolutionize farming and food security in Ghana!
The project targets districts like Tamale Metro, Savelugu, Mion, and Nanton in the Northern Region; West Gonja and Bawku West in the Savannah and Upper East Regions; Wa Municipal, Sissala East, and Nandom in the Upper West Region; East Mamprusi and Mamprugu-Moagduri in the North East Region; and Krachi East in the Oti Region. These areas, often hit hard by climate challenges, will benefit from affordable credit to scale up farming and agribusiness ventures. With a low 10% interest rate and flexible repayment terms, this fund is designed to be a game-changer for farmers who’ve long struggled to access financing.
What makes this initiative stand out? It’s not just about money—it’s about empowerment. The fund prioritizes women-headed households, supporting vegetable production and crops like groundnut, cowpea, and soybean. Farmers will gain access to climate-smart agricultural inputs, such as drought-resistant seeds, and handheld mechanization tools to boost efficiency. This aligns with Ghana’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) and the Feed Ghana Programme, both focused on modernizing farming and ensuring food security.
The impact goes beyond the fields. By supporting microenterprises and agribusinesses, the project aims to increase farmer incomes and improve household nutrition. Imagine a smallholder farmer in Savelugu, now able to invest in better seeds and equipment, growing enough to feed her family and sell surplus at the market. This is the ripple effect of resilience—stronger farmers, healthier communities, and a more secure food system.
The partnership with ARB Apex Bank ensures the fund is managed efficiently, with technical backing from the African Development Bank (AfDB). Minister Eric Opoku has called this a “strategic investment” for Ghana’s agricultural future, and it’s easy to see why. With climate change posing growing threats, initiatives like this equip farmers to adapt and thrive.
This US$1 million fund is a beacon of hope for Ghana’s northern farmers. It’s a call to action for stakeholders, from local communities to global partners, to rally behind sustainable agriculture. As Ghana invests in its farmers, it’s sowing the seeds for a brighter, more food-secure future. Stay tuned for updates on how this project transforms lives and landscapes across the northern districts!
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