Three (3) women’s groups in the Upper East Region have received support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to strengthen their capacities in agricultural processing value chain to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the incomes of small holder women’s processors.
The project which is been piloted in 16 regions of the country with funding of GHC2.5 million from the Global Affairs Canada seeks to empower 48 women’s groups within the agricultural value chain to produce valued-added products for local and international markets and thus eradicate poverty .
Speaking on Reporters Visit on A1 News, Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Francis Ennor, said, the initiative seeks to further foster women’s competitiveness in providing value-added products for international markets.
“The initiative will contribute to the achievement of the 2030 agenda for the sustainable development goals and the Ghana Government’s Investment for Food and Jobs’s objective. These women groups who are into activities like adding value to Agro-processing commodities like rice and others for local and international customers will further achieve its market readiness.
The initiative which is a pilot based will support the women with purchasing and installation of agro-processing equipment, along with capacity building on operation and maintenance of the machinery as well as coaching by technical persons on marketing techniques to ensure appropriate market linkages.”
Mr. Ennor was optimistic that, with the provision of the necessary agro-processing equipment by GRATIS foundation would improve the living standards of the beneficiary women’s groups.
“In all, GHC2.5 million has been allocated to Global Affairs Canada for this pilot project. These women’s groups in 16 regions were approved for the pilot and we as Ministry of Food and Agriculture will sign an agreement with GRATIS foundation, an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to fabricate the machinery for the women’s groups. And we hope that it will go a long way to bring the needed impact in society.”
Mr. Ennor, however, assured that, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and its partners Global Affairs Canada will continue to strengthen the capacities of women’s farmer-based organizations to make their products more competitive and attractive for local and international customers.
Source:|A1radioonline.com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Ghana
