EU, GoG and FAO launch €10m project to combat food insecurity in the Northern Regions
In a landmark initiative, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has injected €10 million into a strategic project aimed at tackling food insecurity in the northern regions of Ghana. This move comes at a critical juncture when global food security faces unprecedented challenges, partly due to geopolitical events, notably Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The three-year, EU-funded, FAO-led project is poised to make a substantial impact, with over 50,000 vulnerable individuals slated to benefit. Its multifaceted objectives underscore a holistic approach to addressing the issue of food insecurity.
Economically Sustainable Food Systems
The project’s foremost objective is to empower local communities in Ghana’s northern regions to establish robust and profitable food production systems. This emphasis on economic sustainability holds the promise of fostering self-reliance and resilience in the face of food scarcity.
Environmental Sustainability
A key facet of this initiative is the promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By encouraging sustainable farming methods, the project seeks to safeguard the environment and conserve precious natural resources.
Social Sustainability and Gender Equity
A laudable commitment to equitable access to food and nutrition, particularly among women and vulnerable segments of the population, is central to the project’s ethos. By focusing on social sustainability, it endeavors to bridge gaps and enhance inclusivity.
Governance and Institutional Strengthening
Recognizing the vital role of governance in ensuring the long-term viability of food systems, the project places a premium on bolstering governance structures. This strategic move is essential to sustain the gains achieved in the quest for food security.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, lauded this initiative as a testament to the EU’s unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing global challenge of food security. In his words, “This 10 million Euro emergency measure has been mobilized in record time and represents the commitment and solidarity of the EU and its Member States in the face of rising costs of food and to safeguard food security and transitioning to more resilient food systems in Ghana.”
Yurdi Yasmi, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Africa and Representative in Ghana, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative nature of the endeavor. “The joint collaboration between FAO, the European Union, and the Government of Ghana shows our commitment to rural families in Ghana and ending hunger and malnutrition while supporting the transition to more sustainable agrifood systems,” he affirmed.
Central to the project’s strategy is the sustainable development of critical agribusiness value chains, encompassing maize, millet, sorghum, groundnut, vegetables (tomatoes), poultry, and piggery. These endeavors dovetail with the Government of Ghana’s initiatives, notably the Planting for Jobs Phase 2 program, which seeks to alleviate the adverse impacts of rising food, fertilizer, and fuel prices in vulnerable areas, thereby ameliorating poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.
Over the course of three agricultural seasons, the EU-funded project aspires to provide support to a minimum of 10,000 households, benefiting approximately 6,000 maize farmers, 2,400 millet farmers, and 4,200 sorghum farmers in targeted districts. Women, youth, and value chain actors will be pivotal beneficiaries, receiving comprehensive support, ranging from capacity-building to access to post-harvest technologies, climate change adaptation training, market access facilitation, financial services, and pest and disease management.
This landmark initiative, backed by the EU, the GoG, and the FAO, underscores the critical importance of international solidarity in addressing the global challenge of food security. It serves as a beacon of hope for vulnerable populations in Ghana’s northern regions, offering not only immediate relief but also a pathway to sustainable and inclusive food systems. In an era marked by uncertainty, this collaborative effort stands as a testament to the collective commitment to eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable development in Ghana.
