The government has officially launched the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II (PFJ 2.0) initiative, aimed at enhancing commercial production of maize, rice, soya beans, and poultry while improving food security across the country.
This new phase introduces three major projects in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone: the Savannah Investment Programme (SIP), the Savannah Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (SADEP), and the Sustainable Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP). These initiatives, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), have already yielded significant results.
A Unified Approach to Agricultural Projects
Before the launch of PFJ 2.0, various agricultural projects operated independently, without coordination. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, recognized the need to streamline these efforts. Since taking office, he has worked diligently to unify the projects for more effective implementation and greater impact.
Notable Achievements
Since the inception of these projects, there has been substantial progress. The total cultivated land has increased from 80 hectares in 2018 to 38,230 hectares, with support provided to 454 medium and large-scale commercial farmers. In the previous farming season, 78,351 out-growers were assisted in growing maize, rice, and soya beans under conservation agriculture practices.
The projects have produced remarkable yields, with 146,205 tonnes of maize, 38,913 tonnes of rice, and 13,860 tonnes of soya bean harvested. Yield rates have significantly improved, with maize reaching 5.7 tonnes per hectare, rice at 5.1 tonnes per hectare, and soya beans at 2.8 tonnes per hectare, thanks to improved seed varieties and conservation agriculture methods.
Market Facilitation and Farmer Support
The projects have facilitated market access for farmers, enabling them to sell their harvested grains to off-takers, including private agro-industries like Ghana Nuts Company, Rockland Feeds, Starpro, and VADD Ltd. Additionally, the initiative has helped farmers secure affordable and timely inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, and agrochemicals.
The project has also promoted female participation in commercial farming, with 45 women farmers each owning an average of 500 hectares of land—an important step forward in addressing challenges women face in land access.
Livestock Breeding and Poultry Rearing
The PFJ 2.0 initiative has also extended support to livestock breeding and poultry production. A total of 13,000 small ruminants (goats and sheep) have been distributed to 664 outbreeders in 10 municipalities and breeding stations. This effort is intended to increase the population of small ruminants in the region.
Additionally, 1,000 women and youth have received support for egg production, including battery cages, pullets, feed, vaccines, and medication. Since the start of this intervention in December 2021, a total of 25.89 million eggs have been produced.
Integration with the TAAT Programme
The PFJ 2.0 initiative is integrated with the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme, which is part of the AfDB’s Feed Africa Strategy 2016-2025. The TAAT programme aims to raise agricultural productivity across Africa by leveraging proven technologies to increase food output by 100 million tonnes by 2025, with a particular focus on creating livelihoods for women and youth.
Continued Support and Future Impact
The PFJ 2.0 projects, in partnership with the African Development Bank and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, are set to continue making significant strides in Ghana’s agricultural sector. With increased yields, support for commercial farmers, market facilitation, and an emphasis on female and youth participation, the initiative is expected to further enhance food security and boost economic growth in the region.
The writer is the Head of the PR Unite of the MoFA
Writer’s email: bagbara@gmail.com
