PFAG expresses concern over sustainability of Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has raised concerns over the sustainability of the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme (PFJ 2.0).

During a national validation workshop to assess the implementation of PFJ 2.0, which was held on Wednesday (17 July) in Accra, the association revealed that most farmers fear the programme may not endure beyond the upcoming elections due to perceived depoliticisation.

“One of the areas that most respondents were concerned about has to do with excessive translation of high-quality inputs and improvements,” said Charles Nyaaba, a technical consultant addressing the workshop.

“Remember, three years ago, if you were bringing in tractors, fertilisers, or carbo-chemical medications, it was duty-free, but now when you go, all those waivers were taken out last year.”

The workshop, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), highlighted significant challenges from the first phase that PFJ 2.0 seeks to address.

Despite these efforts, many farmers remain sceptical about the programme’s longevity and effectiveness.

Nyaaba also outlined several challenges that plagued the initial phase of the programme.

“The research recommends that a long-term policy investment plan that is devoid of political interference. This should be led by technical directors within MoFA in partnership with NDPC (National Development Planning Commission) with broader stakeholders consultation.”

These included limited access to agricultural credit, inadequate adoption of a value chain approach, government budgetary constraints, and insufficient national food storage capacity.

Additionally, issues such as smuggling, rent-seeking, and corruption were cited in PFAG’s annual assessment reports, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of the programme.

Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II was launched by MoFA as a response to these challenges, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

However, PFAG’s assessment indicates that without significant reforms and depoliticization, the programme may struggle to achieve its goals and maintain farmer confidence.

Reporting by Caleb Ahinakwah in Accra

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