For a smooth implementation of PFJ 2.0 programme, Dr Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture has cut sod for work to begin on some infrastructure projects, under the Emergency Support to Rural Livelihoods and Food Systems exposed to COVID-19 (ESRF), a project being implemented by the Ministry.
The event took place yesterday at Kwasi Fante, in the Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region. The infrastructure projects include the construction of farm tracks (roads), water harvesting schemes, drying platforms and boreholes.
These projects aim to enhance the lives of farmers by providing better access to markets, increasing crop yields, addressing water scarcity and improving post-harvest management.
Dr Bryan Acheampong announced a 100-hectare water harvesting scheme to be constructed for farmers at Tordzinu, South Tongu District and Klenormadi, Ketu District, in the Volta Region.
Additionally, 16 commodity drying platforms are to be built and 29.5 kilometres of farm tracks are to be constructed in various regions. Furthermore, 20 boreholes will be installed in the North-East Gonja, Nanton, Atebubu, Bono East, Northern and Savannah regions.
According to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, the project demonstrates the commitment of the government and its partners to safeguard vulnerable populations and maintain food security, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
He emphasised the importance of contractors adhering to high construction standards. He also urged the active participation of beneficiary communities in maintaining and utilising these facilities.
In this connection, Dr Acheampong expressed optimism about the impact of these projects on smallholder farmers and beneficiary communities, stating that they would be better equipped to face challenges posed by climate change.
The Minister extended his gratitude to IFAD for their support in making these projects possible and called for collective efforts to transform the agricultural sector and contribute to Ghana’s prosperity.
Speaking at the ceremony, the ESRF Programme Coordinator, Dr. Hayford Baah-Adade, indicated that the overall goal of the ESRF project is to protect the livelihoods, incomes and resilience of target groups from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
Through its three main components and various sub-components, the project aims to protect against hunger, build resilient livelihoods and strengthen rural marketing linkages and food security in the country.
He also stated that contractors have been selected based on their expertise and successful track records in delivering infrastructure projects.
Supervising agencies, such as the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) were urged to be responsible in providing effective supervision and monitoring the progress of these projects.
Dr. Hayford indicated that the ESRF consists of three components;
1) Protect against Hunger and Build Resilient Livelihoods,
2) Safeguard Rural Marketing Linkages and Food Security,
3) Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
