Ghana AgriConnect Compact targets growth in rice, maize and poultry value chains
The new partnership aims to strengthen Ghana‘s food systems, create jobs and improve food security by 2030.
GHANA – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has reaffirmed its support for Ghana’s agriculture sector through the newly launched Ghana AgriConnect Compact, a partnership that brings together the Government of Ghana, the World Bank and other development partners to strengthen the country’s food systems and support economic growth.
Launched on June 4, the initiative places agriculture at the centre of Ghana’s development plans and seeks to increase private sector investment while strengthening government support across key value chains.
Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of Ghana’s economy. The sector contributes about 22% of the country’s gross domestic product, generates roughly 24% of export earnings and employs about 38% of the workforce. D
espite its importance, many farmers and rural businesses continue to face limited access to finance, climate-related risks, low productivity and weak links to markets.
Under the Compact, partners will focus on several strategic value chains, including cocoa, oil palm, rice, maize and poultry. The programme will also support tree crops, fisheries and the forest economy.
For the milling and feed industries, the emphasis on rice, maize and poultry could help strengthen local supply chains, increase production and support investment in processing and value addition.
By 2030, the initiative aims to improve food and nutrition security for nearly three million people while creating more than 2.6 million jobs across farming, aggregation, processing and marketing activities.
“Through AgriConnect, IFAD is deepening its commitment to end rural poverty and build resilient, inclusive food systems in Ghana. Together with partners, we are scaling investments that deliver jobs, opportunity and lasting impact for rural communities,” said Lakshmi Moola, IFAD Country Director for Ghana.
IFAD’s contribution to the Compact builds on its existing work in Ghana through programmes such as the Promoting Rural Opportunities, Sustainable Profits and Environmental Resilience (PROSPER) programme and the Affordable Agricultural Financing for Resilient Rural Development (AAFORD) project.
The Fund also plans to co-finance the World Bank’s Food Systems Resilience Programme, which supports smallholder farmers, rural enterprises and value chain development.
The new Compact adds to Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural production, improve market access and support rural livelihoods. Through partnerships with farmer organisations, financial institutions and private sector players, IFAD continues to support projects that help farmers increase productivity, adapt to changing weather conditions and access new market opportunities.
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