By Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
Over the last five years, farmers across West Africa have received training for more productive farming and agro-business. Dubbed the West African Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program, the move also ensured an equitable agricultural system and opportunities for cross-border people-to-people interaction.
At the closeout session in Accra, beneficiaries were encouraged to continue to work together to achieve shared growth and improve food security in the country.
Introduced in 2018 to agro processors and farmer cooperatives across the regions, the West African Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) has created a positive and transformative impact in agricultural communities in Ghana.
Over the past five years, the F2F has trained over 500 male and more than 900 female farmers and agro-processors. The program introduced innovation and developed local capacity for more productive and equitable agricultural systems while providing opportunities for cross-border people-to-people interaction.
At the close-out session in Accra, the Country Director of Winrock International, Madam Mina Lassey said the program has contributed to and strengthened the government’s efforts to effectively promote the management of postharvest losses and add value to Agricultural products.
The Director of Mission at USAID, Mr. Douglas Steinberg, said F2F strengthens inter-cultural relationships, improving access to safe and nutritious foods while breaking cultural devices. He urged the beneficiaries to build on the success achieved.
The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture in charge of crops, Mr. Yaw Frimpong Addo, said agriculture continues to be the backbone of the country’s economy. While urging the beneficiaries to work together to drive Ghanaian Agriculture to a new height, he said value addition and post-harvest handling continue to be a challenge which needs urgent attention in the country.
After five years of support, the Chairperson of the Lineebaal Womens Association Madam Victoria Ugan said she no longer buys fertilizers but can make her own organic fertilizers for their farms.
Since 1991, Winrock volunteers have completed over 6,600 assignments in 59 countries, including Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.
The F2F, an initiative of Winrock International, was funded globally by the United States Agency for Internal Development.
