By: Daniel Asare
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has secure a $ 227million credit from the World Bank to undertake the Ghana Tree Crop diversification project aimed at improving the tree crop sector
According to Minister for food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong the project will enhance the capacity of stakeholders in the tree crop sector and improve their competiveness
The Ghana Tree Crop Diversification Project seeks to support sector-wide activities, reforms, and investments in the tree crop sector to enhance production of cocoa, coconut, cashew and rubber.
As part of the project, commercial nursery operators will be supported to supply quality planting materials to farmers and government will also facilitate the acquisition of planting materials and other agricultural inputs for 52,000 farmers.
“The project will take a demand-driven approach to enhance access to inputs, services, and economic opportunities, while fostering social inclusion and strengthening relationships between beneficiary communities and local governments”. Bryan said.
The Ghana Tree Crop Diversification Project will focus on strengthening and coordinating demand-driven research to improve quality and competitiveness in tree crop production, processing, and trading.
The project aims to achieve significant outcomes, such as increased yields and value addition for target tree crops, improved climate adaptation strategies, and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Ghana Tree Crop Diversification Project is expected to benefit about 53,000 farmers and create around 20,000 jobs
The TCDP will be rolled out in eleven districts across six regions of Ghana, carefully chosen for their potential to maximize impact.
Western North’s Essam, Adabokrom and Asamankese in the Eastern Region are earmarked for the project to support the cocoa sector.