AGRA launches new strategy to grow Ghana’s agro-processing industry
AGRA has unveiled a new five-year strategy that aims to promote the processing of agricultural produce in Ghana in order to benefit smallholder farmers in the country.
The strategy’s planned interventions aim to create an enabling environment for agro-processors to thrive, enhance the competitiveness of businesses in the value chain and strengthen raw material supply.
This is meant to drive the inclusive transformation of agri-food systems that support the livelihoods of farmers. By 2030, AGRA aims to support 1.2 million farmers in Ghana to shift from subsistence to market-oriented and diversified farming systems, contributing to food security.
Since 2007, AGRA has invested $60 million towards strengthening core agricultural systems in Ghana.
The initiatives, which were implemented alongside public and private partners, benefited two million smallholders.
Speaking during an event to launch the new strategy, AGRA’s President, Dr Agnes Kalibata said: “Over the past few years, Ghana’s agriculture sector has enjoyed faster growth, improving the food security situation. The challenge now is to ensure that this growth is broad-based, sustainable and inclusive. Hence our planned focus on the agro-processing industry over the next five years to catalyze inclusive agricultural transformation.”
Ghana’s economy is dependent on the agriculture sector.
This has led the government to implement structured policies and investment plans, that have accelerated the sector’s growth from 2.3% in 2015 to 7% in 2020.
Source: Ghana Business
