Sustain Africa, ETG, and the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership launch Fertilizer Relief Program

Sustain Africa, Export Trading Group (ETG), and the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) have joined forces with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to launch a Fertilizer Relief Program.

The program aims to support smallholder farmers in the country and enhance the agriculture value chain and food system nationwide.

This ground-breaking initiative seeks to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance food security in the country. Among the various challenges faced by farmers, the high price of fertilizer stands out as a major obstacle. Hence, the program aims to subsidize the cost of fertilizers to alleviate this challenge.

Fred Akowuah, the Country Director of Export Trading Group, explained that the objective of the Fertilizer Relief Program is to support farmers and address the issue of high fertilizer prices. The program targets over 150,000 farmers in rural areas.

The relief program aims to distribute approximately 15,000 metric tonnes of discounted Sulphate of Ammonia and NPK fertilizers. This distribution will assist farmers in reducing food prices and enhancing food security throughout the country. Not only will farmers receive fertilizers, but they will also benefit from technology and skills transfer to empower them in their agricultural practices.

The Executive Director of Sustain Africa, Ben Valk, emphasized the importance of the program. He noted that the initiative is part of their commitment to reducing fertilizer prices and enhancing food security in the country. The program aims to provide food for about 500,000 people and create job opportunities for youth and individuals in the agricultural sector.

Hon. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, highlighted the government's plans and programs aimed at assisting farmers in obtaining fertilizers at affordable prices and encouraging increased participation in the agricultural sector.

"In the coming months, the government plans to roll out an aggressive program starting in June, with a focus on ensuring food security and availability for the next five years. The program aims to transition from the current subsidy program, pending cabinet approval, to an input credit system.

"This system will reduce barriers to entry into agriculture, enabling more individuals to participate in the sector and allowing farmers to acquire fertilizers at reduced prices. Under the new program, ETG will provide fertilizers and seeds to farmers, who will make payment after the planting season. Crops will then be traded on the Ghana Commodity Exchange," he stated.

He further added that the program will help ensure price stability in the food market and reduce price variations. Additionally, it will facilitate the linkage of private sector farmers to various industries in the country, reducing the need for importation.

Nana-Aisha Mohammed, the Regional Director of Sustain Africa, also pledged their dedication to providing crucial support to both the private sector and smallholder farmers in the country. The partnership aims to empower women and youth within farming communities, with a strong focus on knowledge transfer, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

"One of the key objectives is to ensure that smallholder farmers effectively utilize the upcoming fertilizer program. The extension program will primarily focus on technology transfer and promote integrated soil fertility management initiatives. Quality control measures will be implemented throughout the value chain to guarantee that farmers receive the appropriate fertilizers," she stated.

“Recognizing the importance of extension services, there is close collaboration underway with the Extension Service Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The aim is to train and support extension officers in rural communities, with an emphasis on capacity building for farmers in these areas’’, she added.