The 2024 soybean production season came with its fair share of challenges, particularly an unexpected drought that threatened yields across farming communities, especially in the Northern and Upper regions of the country. Despite these tough conditions, farmers working with Chi-Gaba found hope through timely interventions by Newage Agric Solutions Ltd under the HAPPY Program.

Chi-Gaba is a social enterprise committed to supporting farmers with inputs for maize, soya and rice production throughout-grower schemes, which started as a flagship production unit of Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. Chi-Gaba received input support for their farmers under the HAPPY Program for the 2024 production year.

The HAPPY Program is a 4-year partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited, supported by an eight-member consortium that includes Newage Agric Solutions Ltd.

For many, the planting season began with uncertainties, particularly for those who were greatly affected by the drought, which occurred just when most farmers had seeded. Basin Ayishatu from Kong in the Sisaale East Municipal in the Upper West region was one of those farmers.

With just one acre of soybean farm, she had high hopes of a fruitful harvest, “I was terrified,” she recalled. “I had invested so much effort, and it felt like everything was lost. Chi-Gaba, however, supported all of us who had encountered low germination due to the drought with new seeds, fertilisers and inoculants. At the end of the season, I was able to harvest 16 bags of the 50kg soybeans per the one acre of production I did.”

Bakuru Mah Alimah from Bakwala, Sisaala East Municipal, shared a similar experience. She emphasised how much confidence she had in the support from Chi-Gaba. “When they came in to train and provide us with inputs, I knew I was in safe hands. I had seen the progress of other farmers working with Chi-Gaba, and I knew my yields would increase too.”

Beyond providing inputs, Chi-Gaba on-site technical training and field visits played a crucial role in guiding farmers through the season. Vogwurun Nashira from Kong, a farmer with Chi-Gaba, highlighted how the team’s accessibility and reliability made a difference. “With Chi-Gaba, I never feel alone in my farming journey. Their support is timely, and their technical assistance is always available. Even in the face of a drought, I knew I had the help I needed to push through.”

Despite the harsh climate conditions, Chi-Gaba’s partnership with Newage Agric Solutions Ltd under the HAPPY Program ensured that all the farmers had the necessary resources and expertise to safeguard their grains for the year. The success of these farmers is a testament to the partnership’s commitment to empowering local growers with sustainable solutions, even in the face of unpredictable weather challenges.

With agriculture becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change, partnerships like these are proving essential in securing food security and improving farmers' livelihoods. As the season comes to an end, one thing is certain: with Chi-Gaba, we are truly farming for wealth.