About 24,782 smallholder farmers across 14 regions have received agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and improved seeds for rice, maize, soya, and vegetables under the ministry’s Emergency Support to Rural Livelihoods and Food Systems (ESRF) project.
As part of MoFA’s aim to make the country food-sufficient and reduce poverty, the ESRF project is a multifaceted approach adopted to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce poverty.
The project also encompasses infrastructure development, support for smallholder farmers, and capacity-building for processing groups.
The groundbreaking works initiated by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, held in Kwasi Fante, Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region signalled a significant step towards transforming the agricultural sector in Ghana and has since benefited smallholder farmers across 14 regions.
Highlighting the gains made under the project in the past months, the ministry disclosed that, ESRF has established a 100-hectare water harvesting scheme in Tordzinu, South Tongu District, and Klenormadi, Ketu District, in the Volta Region including the construction of some 16 commodity drying platforms and paving approximately 29.5 kilometres of farm tracks across various regions.
Additionally, 26,700 agricultural supply chain actors in 61 districts have been supported with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) adding that ESRF has also transferred cash to about 4,790 vulnerable beneficiaries, including 19% females and 5% persons with disabilities, to overcome hunger and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
According to the ministry, the infusion of funding from various sources, including IFAD, the Government of Ghana, and other development partners, demonstrates a collaborative effort to bolster food security and rural livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the ministry is urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and work together to ensure successful implementation and long-term impact indicating that, by working together, Ghana can overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and build a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector for the future.