Nkoranza: The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has initiated a Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) to promote inclusive agricultural development within the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region. This initiative includes participation from various representatives such as the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly, civil society organizations, processors, aggregators, traditional authorities, and youth and women's groups.
According to Ghana News Agency, this platform aims to engage both duty bearers and rights holders while addressing policy bottlenecks and developmental issues impacting smallholder farmers. Dr. Benjamin Sarfo, the Programmes Officer of PFAG, stated that the MSP aligns with the 'Strengthening Farmers' Voices to Promote Accountability and Inclusive Decision-Making in Ghana' project, with funding from the Star Ghana Foundation. The project is being implemented across multiple regions, including the Wa Municipality and Daffiema Bussie Issah Districts in the Upper West Region, among others.
Dr. Sarfo highlighted the various challenges faced by smallholder farmers, such as high input costs, limited mechanization and irrigation access, poor market linkages, and external threats like illegal mining and climate change. These challenges undermine their livelihoods and compromise national food systems. Despite their crucial role, smallholder farmers often lack the agency and capacity to engage effectively with local authorities due to weak group structures and limited advocacy knowledge.
The PFAG aims to provide a dignified life for its members, focusing on women and youth who remain among the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Sarfo emphasized the need to institutionalize the MSP to overcome barriers affecting farmers in the municipality and highlighted the association's achievements and objectives.
Mr. Ahestofeil Appiah from the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly stressed the importance of utilizing the platform to tackle agricultural growth challenges. He acknowledged the constraints faced by local platforms due to resource limitations and expressed support for the PFAG's initiative through the Star Ghana Foundation project.
The Nkoranza South Municipal Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Gifty Fremah Appiah, underscored the necessity of sustaining the platform beyond the project's lifespan. She noted that several previous platforms had become inactive post-project completion.
Mr. Paul Owusu Achiaw, a Reverend Minister and farmer, was selected as the lead conveyer of the MSP platform, co-chaired by Mrs. Appiah. They committed to ensuring the platform's functionality and responsiveness to farmers' needs within the municipality.
Madam Rose Yahaya, the Queen Mother of Adoagyir Traditional Area, commended the platform's formation and encouraged member support for its effectiveness. Dr. Gillian S. Duut from the Nkoranza South Municipal office of the National Commission for Civic Education urged members to remain committed to meetings, facilitating the MSP's growth and addressing challenges faced by youth and women farmers.