The government has been urged to prioritize smallholder farmers in its agricultural policy, with Hon. Sebastian Deh calling for a dedicated fund to support these farmers.
Hon. Deh made the call in a statement to Parliament, emphasizing the need for affordable credit, extension services, and market linkages to boost agricultural productivity.
Smallholder farmers account for 70% of Ghana’s farming population, producing most of the country’s staple foods.
Despite their crucial role, these farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate extension services, and poor market linkages.
Deh proposed the establishment of an Agricultural Finance Support Fund to de-risk lending to smallholder farmers.
The fund would provide credit guarantees to financial institutions that offer loans to farmers, incentivizing more banks and non-bank financial institutions to develop innovative, low-interest agricultural loan products.
The government has launched several initiatives to support agriculture, including the Feed Ghana Program.
Deh praised the programme which has six components focused on smallholder farmers, including grains and legumes development, vegetable development, and livestock development.
By prioritizing smallholder farmers Honourable Deh noted,the government can ensure food security, reduce poverty, and promote economic development.
Deh’s call to action is a reminder of the need for a coordinated approach to supporting smallholder farmers in Ghana.
Angle 3: Smallholder Farmers Thrive with Right Support
Ama Mensah, a maize farmer in the Bono Region, is a testament to the impact of financial inclusion on smallholder farmers.
With a loan from Opportunity International Savings and Loans (OISL), Ama saw her yield increase by 70%. Her story is one of many, with thousands of smallholder farmers benefiting from innovative financial products and training programs.
Ama received her first-ever agricultural loan in 2020, which she used to purchase improved seeds, fertilizers, and hire a tractor for ploughing. She also benefited from training on good agricultural practices and financial management.
Hon. Sebastian Deh, MP for Kpando Constituency, has praised the efforts of institutions like OISL, calling for more support for smallholder farmers. Deh emphasized that empowering smallholder farmers is key to ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and promoting economic development.
Smallholder farmers like Ama are the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to GDP and ensuring food security. However, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate extension services, and poor market linkages.
By providing the right support, including financial inclusion, training, and market linkages, Ghana can unlock the potential of its smallholder farmers and ensure a more prosperous and food-secure
By Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor
About The Author
