The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has expressed concern over the low registration of farmers under the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs Phase two program. As of June 2024, about 80% of farmers remain unregistered, according to the National President of the Association, Wepia Awal Addo.
This revelation is particularly worrying, as the planting season is fast approaching, and farmers are uncertain about their future. Mr. Addo emphasized that farmers are in the dark about where and when to receive essential farm inputs such as fertilizers and seeds.
The PFAG, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the GIZ, hosted a national validation workshop in Accra to assess the implementation of PFJ Phase II. During the workshop, Mr. Addo highlighted the lack of interest in farmers’ welfare and the absence of information to aid in planning.
Describing the PFJ Phase II as uninspiring, Mr. Addo stated that the agriculture sector has been neglected, with no direct investment in farmers. He also pointed out that plans to expand irrigation projects and improve road networks have been left unattended to.
The low registration rate and lack of support for farmers may have severe consequences on food security and the livelihoods of farmers. Mr. Addo urged the government to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that farmers receive the necessary support.
The PFAG represents the interests of smallholder farmers in Ghana and has been advocating for their welfare and rights. The Association’s concerns highlight the need for the government to prioritize the agriculture sector and support farmers.
The Planting for Food and Jobs program was launched in 2017 to boost food production and create jobs in the agriculture sector. However, the PFAG’s revelations suggest that the program’s implementation has been subpar.
Mr. Addo called on the government to engage with farmers and address their concerns to ensure the success of the program. He also emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of the program.
The national validation workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing farmers and identify solutions to address them. The workshop’s outcomes are expected to inform policy decisions and improve the implementation of the PFJ Phase II.
The PFAG’s revelations highlight the urgent need for the government to address the concerns of farmers and prioritize the agriculture sector. The success of the Planting for Food and Jobs program depends on the effective support and registration of farmers.
