The Feed the Future Resilience in Northern Ghana Systems Strengthening Activity has announced a $3 million grant for 23 CSOs to aid smallholder farmers in recovering from devastating harvest losses caused by a recent dry spell in Northern Ghana.

The dry spell destroyed over 291,000 hectares of crops, severely threatening food security in the region.

The announcement was made at the program launch in Tamale.

Speaking at the event, Selorm Kofi Azumah, Chief of Party, outlined the grant’s focus areas, which include promoting dry-season cultivation of vegetables and legumes, supporting animal production (such as guinea fowls, improved breeds of cockerels, and rabbits), and encouraging the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies and good agronomic practices.

Mr. Azumah stated that the program extends beyond agriculture to include critical social and health initiatives.

These include:

• Strengthening child protection using a child protection toolkit.

• Integrating nutrition into Community Health Action Plans.

• Improving dietary diversity through home gardens and cooking demonstrations.

• Enhancing pregnancy outcomes through pregnancy schools.

• Promoting community uptake of health services via engagement with relevant groups.

• Strengthening essential nutrition actions through community growth monitoring and promotion.

Program Objectives

The program aims to improve nutrition among women and children, enhance early childhood development and social protection at the community level, and increase the uptake of maternal, child health, and family planning services.

Northern Regional Minister’s Support

Northern Regional Minister Shani Alhassan Seidu pledged the full support of the Regional Coordinating Council and other regional departments to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation for the program’s success.

He highlighted government interventions already in place, such as providing farm inputs and cash support to mitigate the dry spell’s impact. “This award will go a long way to further reduce the effects of the dry spell on our gallant farmers,” the Minister stated.

Addressing the long-standing challenges with household nutrition in Northern Ghana, the Minister expressed optimism about the program’s potential to foster partnerships between civil society organizations and the Ghana Health Service. He noted that such collaborations are essential for achieving the program’s objectives.

Call for Sustainability and Peace

The Minister urged all value chain actors to implement strategies to sustain the program’s gains for future generations. He also stressed the importance of peace and stability for development, calling on all stakeholders to maintain the country’s peace, particularly during the December 7, 2024, general elections.

“Peace and tranquillity are prerequisites for development,” Alhaji Shani said.

“Let us all work together to safeguard the peace we have enjoyed for decades.”