The Market-Oriented Agricultural Programme in the North-West Ghana (MOAP NW) has officially come to a close after eight years of implementing its agricultural transformation project in North-West Ghana.
The programme, which was launched in 2017, aimed to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Upper West, Savannah and North-East regions by increasing their productivity, incomes, and access to markets.
During its eight-year tenure, MOAP NW worked closely with farmers, agricultural extension agents, and other stakeholders to introduce innovative farming practices, improve agricultural infrastructure, and enhance market access for farmers.
According to Astrid Kohl, Cluster Coordinator Governance and Peace at GIZ Ghana, the programme made significant strides in transforming the agricultural sector in North-West Ghana.
“I am deeply convinced that the impact of this programme will be felt for the years to come – in the increased productivity and higher incomes of farmers as well as in the more effective agricultural institutions and the more resilient communities we have worked with,” she added.
Speaking in Wa at the official closing ceremony of the MOAP NW intervention, she mentioned that over 83, 000 business oriented farmers were trained in climate smart agricultural practices.
“Empowering farmers with the right skills and tools is critical to achieving food security and economic transformation. MOAP has facilitated the private sector to extend training and resources to over 83,000 farmers, significantly increasing yields and efficiency.
“These training were made possible through our strong collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture, serving as a prime example of public-private partnerships,” she added.
She stated that through MOAP NW, more than 3000 full time jobs have been created in farming, processing and agribusiness services.
The Market-Oriented Agricultural Programme (MOAP) has successfully connected 13,000 farmers to off-takers and financial institutions, ensuring consistent demand and improved income opportunities.
A notable achievement is the certification of 250 groundnut producers for EU and Swiss markets, showcasing Ghana's growing competitiveness in international trade.
Paulina Rozycka, Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Section, European Union Delegation to Ghana, noted that MOAP’s approach aligns with the Government of Ghana’s drive to develop the agricultural sector and expand the economy.
She also noted that the program focused on young people and women, with nearly 600 Village Savings and Loans Associations established, of which over 79 percent are women.
More than 12,000 farmers receive embedded services from 24 off-takers and 8 VSLA unions: for example, inputs pre-financing or threshing services, through the linkages created by MOAP NW.
871 smallholder farmers (88% women) benefited from manual handheld push planters, on a cost-shared basis, reducing labour and time associated with planting.
For many beneficiaries, MOAP NW has been a game-changer. "Before MOAP NW, I struggled to make ends meet," says Portia Gban, CEO of Sumbo Posh Enterprise in the Nadowli Kaleo District.
"But with the training and support I received, I've been able to expand my business and increase my profit. I can now provide for my family and even hire laborers to help me with my work."
Another beneficiary, Jamila Salifu, a young food processor from the Savannah Region, echoes Madam Portia’s sentiments.
"MOAP NW has given me the confidence and skills to pursue my passion for food processing," she says. "I've been able to establish a successful agribusiness, creating jobs and opportunities for my community."
The beneficiaries praise MOAP NW for its holistic approach, which went beyond just providing training and inputs.
"The programme helped us to access markets, negotiate better prices, and manage our finances effectively," says Sumaila Doho, the CEO of Farmer Pride in the Sissala East Municipality.
In his address, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, said the region would patronize the replication of successful MOAP interventions across the region to sustain the project's positive impact.
“Policies that enhance farmer access to finance, inputs and technology will be vigorously pursued. This would build upon the solid groundwork established by this programme ensuring that the transformation witnessed in the North West agricultural landscape becomes a nationwide reality,” he added.
Before the closure event, stakeholders embarked on a tour of project sites, witnessing firsthand the tangible benefits of MOAP NW's interventions.
In Bisikaan, Wa East District, a solar-powered irrigation system has revolutionized the lives of 45 women, enabling them to cultivate vegetables year-round and boost their income and food security.
At Duri Farms in Bulenga, inclusive contract farming arrangements have empowered over 1,000 farmers with access to input credit and post-harvest management support, fostering a more equitable and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
In the Wechiau Community, 157 groundnut farmers have leveraged MOAP NW's support to export organic "Obolo" variety groundnuts to EU and Swiss markets, capitalizing on premium international demand.
The closure event itself was a colourful and high-profile affair, drawing a delegation of esteemed stakeholders including the the Upper West Regional Minister, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Head of Economic Cooperation at the German Embassy in Ghana and the Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development at the EU Delegation to Ghana.
Other dignitaries included representatives from the partner Regional Coordinating Councils, Municipal and District Assemblies, private sector and farmer-based organizations.
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