By Gloria Amoh
In May 2024, the European Union (EU), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and the Government of Ghana successfully delivered substantial agricultural inputs to support 12,600 smallholder farmers across several districts in the Northern Region of Ghana. These districts include Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri, Central Gonja, North Gonja, Northeast Gonja, Bongo, and Kasena Nankana West.
As part of the EU Food Security Response project, funded by the European Union and facilitated by FAO Ghana in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the delivery comprised 118,000 kg of maize seeds, 3,000 kg of sorghum foundation seeds, and 540 kg of millet foundation seeds. Additionally, 31,200 bags of 50 kg NPK fertiliser and 14,000 bags of 50 kg urea fertiliser were distributed to support the farmers for the 2024 planting season.
Atintono Joseph, a farmer from the Bongo District, highlighted the positive impact of this initiative, stating, “The fertilizers and seeds will now enable me to increase crop yields and ensure successful cultivation. Previously, the unavailability of adequate fertilisers and high-quality seeds had adversely affected crop yields.”
Also, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in Ghana, Arslen Bounemra, explained, “this initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing food security and empowering local communities. We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and the European Union to deliver essential agricultural inputs to farmers in Northern Ghana.”
The European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, mentioned, “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.”
He again added that the initiative is part of the broader mission to empower smallholder farmers, improve food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
This distribution exemplifies the project’s dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in Northern Ghana. By equipping farmers with quality seeds, fertilisers, and equipment, the project aims to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable development within local farming communities.