By Mohammed AWAL
In Northern Ghana, where informal supply chains dominate the grains production landscape, a transformative initiative is underway to revolutionize the sector. The Grains for Growth programme, a collaborative effort between IDH and Mastercard Foundation under the Young Africa Works programme, aims to revitalize the grains value chain, create employment opportunities, enhance incomes, and uplift farmers’ livelihoods, particularly women and youth.
Challenges in the current grains production system, such as limited access to financing, mechanized farming, and quality agro-inputs, have hindered the sector’s growth potential. The programme recognizes the untapped opportunities in the local grains market and seeks to address these constraints through a market-led approach that promotes inclusivity and economic viability.
With a focus on maize, rice, millet, fonio, and sorghum supply chains, the Grains for Growth programme is designed to empower smallholder farmers and enhance their participation in the value chain. By providing technical, operational, and managerial support to selected SMEs and promoting digitalization for SHF engagement, the programme aims to improve production practices, access to quality inputs, and market information.
Country Manager for IDH Ghana, Robert Asugre, sharing his thoughts on the programme said “At IDH we believe that there is a congruent interest to create more impact at scale and that is why we partner with the MasterCard Foundation to develop this greens for growth program, we can reach out to so many farmers and off takers and their brands to be able to do this project and support industrial processing and also food security.”
Moreover, the programme emphasizes business development by assisting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in scaling their operations and establishing linkages with premium buyers. Access to affordable financing is also a key component of the programme, leveraging off-taker commitments and improved business operations to support SME growth.
The anticipated results of the Grains for Growth programme are ambitious yet achievable. By the end of the three-and-a-half-year initiative, 12 SMEs will have enhanced capacity to supply premium off-takers, leading to increased income for 20,000 smallholder farmers. The programme’s gender intentional approach ensures a focus on women and youth empowerment, contributing to inclusive growth in the grains sector.
The programme aims to create sustainable market opportunities for grains produced in Northern Ghana through partnerships with premium off-takers, including Nestle. By promoting climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices, the program also seeks to improve soil health and farm resilience, ensuring long-term sustainability in grain production.
The Grains for Growth programme is not just a development initiative but a catalyst for Northern Ghana’s economic transformation. By strengthening the grains value chain, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods, the program paves the way for sustainable growth and prosperity in the region. As part of IDH’s Grown Sustainably work in Africa, the Grains for Growth program exemplifies the power of partnership and innovation in driving positive change in agriculture.
The Grains for Growth program is an example of hope for the grains sector in Ghana, offering a pathway to prosperity for farmers and communities in Northern Ghana. By fostering inclusive growth, empowering women and youth, and promoting sustainable practices, the program sets a new standard for agricultural development in the region. As the program unfolds over the coming years, its impact is poised to be transformative, creating a brighter future for all stakeholders involved in Ghana’s grains value chain.
Programme Highlights
Key Stakeholders: 12 SMEs accessing premium markets in maize, rice, millet, fonio, and sorghum supply chains
Impact on Smallholder Farmers (SHFs): Anticipated 20% income increase for 20,000 SHFs
Job Opportunities: Creation of 103,000 work opportunities
Gender Focus: Intentional focus on women and youth empowerment
Partnerships: Collaboration with 3 premium off-takers, including Nestle
