FSRP initiates US$22.6m investment in agricultural resilience

…Kpong Irrigation Scheme, others to benefit

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has launched a major initiative to rehabilitate and modernise the Kpong Irrigation Scheme (KIS).

The initiative, supported by the West Africa Food System Resilience Project (FSRP) and backed by a US$22.6million investment from the World Bank, aims to significantly boost agricultural productivity in the Eastern and Greater Accra Regions.

The sod-cutting ceremony was done by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, at Akuse-Eastern Region. The rehabilitation project encompasses overhauling existing irrigation and drainage systems, installing advanced water management technology and  enhancing local road networks to improve access for farmers.

The KIS rehabilitation’s initial phase was completed under the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP), and has previously benefitted about 2,000 smallholder rice farmers in addition to supporting the operations of Golden Exotic, a banana exporting company. This expansive irrigation scheme is crucial not only for rice and banana cultivation but also aquaculture, particularly tilapia and catfish production.

The ongoing rehabilitation efforts are expected to strengthen food security in Ghana, enabling farmers to better cope with challenges such as climate change and economic uncertainties. This initiative reaffirms government’s dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and development.

Within Ghana, the FSRP is overseen by the Ministry of Food & Agriculture and focused on implementing adaptive and sustainable strategies to assist vulnerable households and communities in managing food production uncertainties.

Key initiatives emphasise enhancing the production and marketing of staple crops, including rice, maize and soybeans.

Additionally, the programme encompasses the construction and enhancement of vital facilities such as laboratories, seed banks, irrigation systems and markets for cross-border trade.

The FSRP also provides credit options for poultry farmers, supplies climate-smart seeds and fertilisers to crop farmers, promotes gender-sensitive technologies, monitors pest and disease issues, and establishes Automated Weather Stations for localised agricultural support.

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