- EU delivers seeds and fertilizers to 12,600 farmers in Northern Ghana.
- Part of EU-funded Food Security Response project.
- Inputs include maize, sorghum, and millet seeds, and fertilizers.
- Empowers smallholder farmers, improves food security.
The European Union (EU) has made a significant contribution to support smallholder farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana, delivering over two million kilograms of seeds and fertilizers for the 2024 planting season. This gesture is part of the EU-funded Food Security Response project, implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The agriculture inputs delivered include 118,000 kg of maize seeds, 3,000 kg of sorghum foundation seeds, and 540 kg of millet foundation seeds, as well as 31,200 bags of 50 kg NPK fertilizer and 14,000 bags of 50 kg urea fertilizer. These essential inputs will support 12,600 smallholder farmers in the region, enabling them to enhance their crop yields and improve their livelihoods.
The beneficiaries of this initiative are drawn from six districts in the Northern Region, including Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri, Central Gonja, North Gonja, Northeast Gonja, Bongo, and Kasena Nankana West Districts. According to the FAO Representative in Ghana, Arslen Bounemra, “This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing food security and empowering local communities.”
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving this goal, stating, “By combining our resources and expertise, the EU and FAO, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, are working together to ensure that farmers have access to high-quality seeds and other vital inputs necessary for successful crop cultivation for the 2024 planting season.”
This initiative is part of a broader mission to empower smallholder farmers, improve food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By equipping farmers with quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, the project aims to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable development within local farming communities.
The distribution of these inputs exemplifies the project’s dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in Northern Ghana. By providing farmers with the necessary tools and resources, the project seeks to improve crop yields, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.
A farmer in the Bongo District, Atintono Joseph, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, noting that the previous unavailability of adequate fertilizers and high-quality seeds had adversely affected crop yields. “The fertilizers and seeds will now enable me to increase crop yields and ensure successful cultivation,” he said.
The EU and FAO’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in Ghana is crucial for promoting food security, reducing poverty, and enhancing sustainable agriculture. By working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of farmers and their communities.
The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting smallholder farmers. As we move forward, we must continue to prioritize initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, empower local communities, and enhance food security.
The EU and FAO’s support for smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana is a vital step towards promoting food security, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment. We must continue to work together to ensure that farmers have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
