The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has hosted its 15th National Farmers Forum in Accra, with an emphasis on “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.”
This year’s forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, government officials, agricultural experts, financiers, and the 2024 National Best Farmer awardees, to discuss solutions for climate challenges impacting Ghana’s food security and to outline a path forward for sustainable agriculture.
In his opening remarks, ADB’s Managing Director, Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, highlighted the forum’s relevance in addressing Ghana’s agricultural challenges in the face of climate change.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is very appropriate as it highlights the need for the state and citizenry to commit to adopting better agricultural practices that address the growing challenges posed by climate change and expand productive capacity to enhance food security,”
Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, ADB’s Managing Director
Yakubu-Tali also emphasized that fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices aligns with Ghana’s pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to achieve “zero hunger.”
Yakubu-Tali called for collective action from stakeholders to build an agricultural system that strengthens the resilience of farmers, supports food security, and contributes to economic growth.
“We need a robust agricultural system that empowers farmers, ensures food security, and supports economic growth,” he added.
Highlighting ADB’s significant contributions to the agricultural sector, Yakubu-Tali revealed that the bank had considerably increased its funding to support farmers and agricultural enterprises.
Over the past eight years, ADB’s agricultural loan portfolio has more than tripled, with funding rising from GH¢453.20 million in 2016 to a remarkable GH¢1.41 billion by October 2024.
“This figure excludes non-funded facilities such as letters of credit and guarantees granted for the purchase of agricultural inputs, machinery, equipment, and raw materials,” he noted, highlighting the bank’s focus on strengthening every stage of the agricultural value chain.
These investments are part of ADB’s broader strategy to support government initiatives, such as the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ2) program, which aims to bolster food security in Ghana by moving from traditional subsidy models to a “smart input credit” system.
Through PFJ2, farmers are empowered to acquire necessary inputs in a more efficient and sustainable manner, promoting productivity while reducing dependency on government subsidies.
Recognizing and Supporting Farmers
ADB’s commitment to the agricultural sector was further demonstrated through its sponsorship of the 2024 National Best Farmer award, which includes a GH¢1 million prize.
Mr. Kwame Asiedu Attrams, ADB’s General Manager of Agribusiness, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to Ghana’s farmers.
“The 15th National Farmers Forum is a testament to ADB’s sustained support for Ghana’s agriculture sector.
“Reinforcing its role as a leader in agribusiness financing and a dedicated partner in the nation’s pursuit of food security, sustainable farming practices, and economic resilience.”
Mr. Kwame Asiedu Attrams, ADB’s General Manager of Agribusiness
Mr. Asiedu Attrams urged the 2024 National Best Farmer awardees to implement climate-resilient practices in their operations, noting that such innovations are vital to the sector’s long-term success.
He emphasized that by fostering a network of farmers and stakeholders who are committed to sustainable agriculture, the forum plays a key role in advancing climate adaptation efforts in Ghana.
A central topic of the forum was the importance of investing in innovative agricultural technologies to enhance resilience to climate change.
Moreover, the forum addressed the role of capacity building and training in empowering farmers to adopt these new methods.
ADB, in partnership with government agencies and development organizations, is actively working to provide farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary to transition to climate-resilient agriculture.
The 15th National Farmers Forum underscored ADB’s steadfast commitment to Ghana’s agricultural sector. By focusing on climate-resilient practices and innovative financing, the forum outlined a clear roadmap for achieving sustainable food security in the face of climate challenges.
The event served as a platform for stakeholders to share ideas, experiences, and strategies aimed at creating an agricultural system that is both productive and resilient.
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