Country Manager of AGRA Ghana, Juliette Lampoh-Agroh is calling for enhanced integration of agricultural systems in Ghana if food security can be improved.

Speaking at a side-event at the University of Ghana to mark National Farmers Day, she said, “we need to better integrate our six core agricultural systems: seeds; fertilizers; extensions; input systems; inclusive finance; and output markets.”

“The interaction between these systems will enable key players and service providers to work together to deliver value to smallholder farmers; the engine of our food systems,” she said.

“More will be achieved by investments in technology that helps improve farm productivity, enhance value chain integration, expand access to both local and international markets and boost resilience at systems and farmer-level,” Madam Lampoh-Agroh added.

The event organized by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the West Africa Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI) was on the theme; “Building integrated and resilient food systems in Ghana.”

She said that agricultural systems have to be strengthened to make them work for smallholder farmers, especially the youth and women.

"This integrated system approach will help scale and sustain the inclusive agricultural transformation activities through increased public and private sector investments, as well as improved policies,” the AGRA boss said.

She further stated that downstream delivery systems have to be built for smallholder farmers and support provided to local private sector to avail vital technology and services to farmers.

“On our part, AGRA, we remain committed to helping Ghana consolidate its food systems. And we are happy to sustain the momentum already created,” Madam Lampoh – Agroh added.

She said the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme is a commendable initiative by the government of Ghana and that AGRA is confident it will continue to enhance the nation’s food security.