Commentary on Ghana's agriculture dominant force

Agriculture in Ghana remains a dominant force accounting for more than 40% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector also provides employment for about 60% of the country's workforce. But low productivity resulting from farming constraints over the years does not augur well for Ghana's food staples for local demands and the export market.

This is probably why Ghana's balance of payments deficit has widened with hunger and rural poverty still a hindrance to the country's development. The U.S. Government's provision of a US$547 million facility under the Millennium challenge account should therefore, be seen as an impressive commitment to reduce rural poverty through economic growth led by agricultural commercialization, increase production and productivity of high-value cash and food crops in target zones to enhance the competitiveness of high value cash and food crops in local and international markets.

With components such as transportation, strengthening agricultural institutions and commercialization of farmer organizations the Millennium Challenge Account is a huge boost, particularly, for farmers in reducing the cost of engaging in agriculture at regional and sub regional levels, support and promotion of rural agriculture and agri-business development, and to enhance profitability of cultivation, agricultural Services and expand commercial agriculture among small holder farmers.

The Millennium Development Authority, charged with disbursement of the funds is giving each farmer GHC230 in what is described as “Starter packs”. This is to support land preparation, improved seeds, fertilizers and protective gears as well as hermetic bags that will enable them to cover an acre.

In the Afram Plains Intervention Zone, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Ghana is serving as Regional Implementation Consultant in six districts targeting 7,112 farmer organizations.

The agency also is tasked to successfully implement the Commercialization of Farmer Based Organizations component of the compact in Ejura Sekyedumasi, Sekyere East and West Districts, Kwahu North and South and Fanteakwa Districts.

It is heart warming that a year after commencement of the project, vegetable and pepper farmers at Akwasiho in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region have started reaping the results. Current farm gate export price of green pepper remains at  GH5.50p per every exported box.

It is evident that an acre of pepper farm could give each farmer between GHC4,500 and GHV5,500 with an average yield of five tons per season. Today at Akwasiho, green pepper farmers are making a breakthrough. Green pepper cultivation is now creating jobs, increasing household incomes and serving as a source of livelihood for the majority of the people made possible by the Millennium Development Authority through ADRA, Ghana.

In addition, the project is also giving them access to Bank Credit. Farmers who did not get the chance to pursue education have also joined literacy groups sharing experience under the MiDA projects in their areas.

However the battle against hunger and poverty must be fought from all angles. There is the need to encourage the key players and donors to do more by demonstrating modesty and honesty with the poor and expand project coverage annually in order reach out to as many farmers as possible.

Ghanaians must increase investment to farming enterprises rather than funerals. We can all practice and advocate back yard gardening and support initiatives on lesser known cash crops to make them convenient, improve household security and reduce poverty.

If Ghanaians agree that agriculture is the main stay of the country then we must take agriculture seriously and adopt measures to support mechanized agriculture in order to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty and promote rapid rural development through agricultural led interventions.

By:  Bismark Alimoh