In a significant move towards enhancing food security and reducing reliance on food imports, the Ghanaian government has allocated GH¢1 billion to the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) for the second phase of Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0). This initiative is part of the broader Economic Enclaves Project (EEP), aimed at bolstering agricultural development and addressing youth unemployment.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, during the presentation of the 2024 budget in parliament, highlighted the allocation, emphasizing its focus on critical infrastructure development. The funds will be utilized for projects such as irrigation and canal systems, as well as land clearing and development for private sector participants in the EEP.

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The second phase of PFJ is set to concentrate on large-scale commercial agriculture, promoting economic efficiency, technological adoption, and price stabilization efforts. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launched PFJ 2.0 in August 2023, emphasizing value chain approaches and strengthening linkages among actors in eligible agricultural value chains.

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The funding aims to improve the supply and utilization of high-quality inputs, provide credit guarantees for aggregators, and support private commercial agriculture under the EEP. By the end of 2024, operational EEPs in Kasunya, Kumawu, and Banda are expected to produce 160,000 metric tons of rice on over 110,000 acres of land, creating at least 5,000 jobs.

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PFJ 2.0 places a special focus on poultry to reduce import dependence. Fifteen anchor farmers and 500 out-growers in five regions will be selected to produce 65,000 metric tons of broilers in 2024. Addressing the shortfall in vegetable production, especially onions and tomatoes, the government plans to develop an ‘onion index’ to monitor production, distribution, and consumption.

Minister Ofori-Atta emphasized the urgency in addressing the gap between demand and domestic production of vegetables, considering recent supply disruptions. In 2022, the demand for onions exceeded local production by 135,845 metric tons, while the national demand for tomatoes surpassed local production by 789,068 metric tons.

The allocation to MiDA reflects the government’s commitment to securing land tenure for large-scale agricultural investments, fostering growth in the agricultural sector, and ultimately ensuring food security for the nation. As the second phase of PFJ unfolds, it holds the promise of transforming Ghana’s agricultural landscape and contributing to economic development.

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