AGRA launches new strategy to grow Ghana’s agro-processing industry

The aim is to create an enabling environment for agro-processors to thrive and enhance the competitiveness of businesses in the value chain and strengthen raw material supply

AGRA has today 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 catalyse 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.

According to the 2022 State of Food and Nutrition Report, Ghana is one of the most food-secure countries in sub-Saharan Africa, but about 3.6 million people are food insecure, with only about 35 per cent of the population able to afford a healthy diet.

Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Bryan Acheampong, said, “We welcome the support of AGRA in the inclusive transformation of our agri food sector, which is a major contributor to the economy. The sector will greatly benefit from the efforts to link production and markets while integrating it with other sectors.

This support will boost the various initiatives that the government is undertaking to address emerging issues such as the after-effects of the pandemic and the climate crisis.”