Government of Ghana

Purpose

The project provides direct funding to the Government of Ghana to improve food security and make the agriculture sector more modern, equitable and sustainable. The project seeks to implement a comprehensive market-oriented approach to farming and to strengthen and modernize agricultural extension services. The project covers the entire country at the national, regional and district levels and is expected to benefit 2.8 million farm households, including many female farmers. Project activities include: (1) delivering agricultural extension services and market-oriented training to farm households, with a particular focus on providing information linked to improved cultural practices and the appropriate use of fertilizers, pesticides, tools and machinery; (2) equipping District Agricultural Departments and Regional Agricultural Departments with extension materials, equipment and logistical support; (3) supporting innovative, demand-driven and market-oriented research to address current challenges being faced by smallholder farmers; (4) updating and reorienting a standardized curriculum for agricultural colleges and farm institutes to be more market-focused, gender-sensitive and climate-smart; and (5) improving the enabling (administrative and legal) environment to facilitate access to local and foreign markets for agricultural production.