Government to Inject $20 Million to Boost Agriculture in Northern-Savannah Zone
The Government of Ghana is set to invest $20 million into 12 districts across the five Northern Regions in a major push to strengthen food and nutrition security in the Northern-Savannah ecological zone.
The funding support, a grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP), is expected to benefit more than 50,000 households, with particular focus on empowering women and youth.
Launching the project in Tamale, the Minister for Agriculture, Eric Opoku, said the initiative represents a deliberate step toward addressing challenges that have long hindered the sector’s growth.
“Ghana’s agricultural sector, though full of potential, continues to face numerous constraints that limit its ability to drive socio-economic development, create jobs, and ensure sustainable food systems. The government recognises that transformative growth cannot occur without deliberate efforts to enhance productivity,” he stated.
Beneficiary Districts
The project will be rolled out in 12 districts across six regions:
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Northern Region: Tamale Metro, Mion, Savelugu, Nanton
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Savannah Region: West Gonja
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North East Region: East Mamprusi, Mamprugu Moagduri
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Upper East Region: Bawku West
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Upper West Region: Wa Municipal, Nandom, Sissala East
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Oti Region: Krachi East
Project Focus Areas
The initiative will concentrate on:
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Climate-smart local food production, particularly maize, rice, soybean, cowpea, and groundnut
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Year-round vegetable farming using solar-powered irrigation systems
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Strengthening the poultry value chain to reduce imports
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Improving access to finance and providing small-scale irrigation and input support
A key component of the project will also support Senior High School farms, with 20 solar-powered boreholes to be installed in selected schools to boost farming systems and improve school feeding programmes.
Impact on Rural Livelihoods
According to Minister Opoku, at least 30,000 women and young people are expected to directly benefit from the programme, helping to improve nutrition, generate income, and reduce rural poverty.
Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John also stressed the importance of agricultural development to rural progress.
“Agricultural growth is the foundation of rural development. This project will only succeed if all stakeholders collaborate effectively,” he said.
The project builds on the earlier Savannah Investment Programme but seeks to expand its reach and deliver greater impact in creating resilient and sustainable food systems across the Northern-Savannah zone.
Source: My News Ghana
