Ghana Launches $227.5M Tree Crop Diversification Project for Economic Growth and Resilience
Ghana Launches $227.5 Million Tree Crop Diversification Project for Sustainable Growth
In a significant move to transform its agricultural sector, the Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the World Bank, COCOBOD, and other stakeholders, has launched the Tree Crop Diversification Project (TCDP). The initiative seeks to enhance economic resilience and foster sustainable growth by diversifying tree crops.
Themed “Sowing the Seeds of the Future: Unlocking Ghana’s Tree Crop Potential for Inclusive and Sustainable Transformation,” the project aims to boost market access, address child labor and gender inequality, and strengthen private-sector competitiveness.
With a total investment of $227.5 million, including $27.5 million from COCOBOD, the TCDP will span six years, targeting cocoa, cashew, coconut, and rubber farmers across 11 districts in six regions: Western North, Eastern, Savanna, Bono, Bono East, and Eastern.
Driving Economic Growth
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, highlighted the significance of Ghana’s tree crop sector, which supports over 1.6 million farming households and contributes substantially to GDP. Beyond diversification, the sector offers opportunities for job creation, poverty reduction, and foreign exchange earnings.
However, Dr. Acheampong warned of looming threats: “Despite ample arable land, deforestation, climate change, and environmental issues are shrinking suitable cocoa-farming areas. If these trends persist, many farming households will suffer, impacting foreign exchange revenues.”
The TCDP will address these challenges by improving productivity and incomes for 52,775 farmers, 40% of whom will be women. The project also emphasizes job creation, aiming to generate 20,000 jobs, with 60% reserved for women and significant opportunities for youth.
Empowering the Industry
Mr. William Agyapong Quaittoo, CEO of the Tree Crop Diversification Authority (TCDA), emphasized the project’s role in establishing a competitive and sustainable tree crop industry. The TCDA plans to leverage the TCDP to transform value chains in cashew, coconut, and rubber while forging partnerships to develop mango, oil palm, and shea industries.
The initiative includes matching grants, technical assistance, and improved market access for 185 small and medium-sized enterprises in tree crop processing. Additionally, support will extend to 5-10 input suppliers and 10 nurseries to enhance the supply chain.
Call to Action
Dr. Acheampong called on stakeholders, government agencies, NGOs, private entities, and farmers to collaborate on this transformative project. “Together, we can unlock Ghana’s tree crop potential for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he concluded.
The Tree Crop Diversification Project sets the stage for a more resilient and diversified agricultural sector, positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable economic transformation.
