The United States Government is assisting 17,000 farmers in Ghana with a $7 million fund project to help them be resilient during the lean season, which runs from June to August 2023.
The USAID one-year Farmer Support Activity would be implemented through a well-designed cash transfer system that would be disbursed in two tranches in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP).
It aims to increase food security by assisting farmers in selected districts across the Upper East, Upper West, Northeast, and Northern Regions, as well as adjacent areas, to continue agricultural activities during the lean season.
According to the statement, the smallholder beneficiary farmers were identified, targeted, and registered as part of a multi-sectoral initiative involving the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the National Identity Authority, and MTN.
USAID and WFP hope to leverage the government’s expertise to empower farmers and strengthen agricultural practises by collaborating with the Ministry.
The statement reads, “Through this collaborative approach, the project aims to improve food security, and livelihoods, and contribute to the sustainable development of Ghana’s agricultural sector.”
“Recognising the importance of collaboration and coordination, this joint effort will ensure the effective delivery of support to the farmers in Ghana,” it continued
About USAID
The United States Agency for International Development is the principal US Government organisation working to eradicate extreme global poverty and promote the potential of resilient, democratic societies.
Its efforts are intended to advance an integrated development strategy. It encourages accountability, environmentally sound practices, and inclusive growth.
About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world, saving lives in dire situations and transforming lives by providing food aid to those recovering from war, natural disasters, and the effects of climate change.
The majority of WFP’s programmes in Ghana are development-oriented, helping the government transform lives by enhancing social protection, nutrition, food systems, and emergency planning, preparedness, and response.