Home > Where We Work >Biakoye District
Biakoye District
Enabling Smallholder Farmers’ Easy Access to Agro-Inputs
Access to quality agricultural inputs is crucial for smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and profitability. However, in Biakoye District, where 90% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, accessing such inputs remains a significant challenge.
The lack of reliable suppliers, high costs, and the prevalence of counterfeit products pose obstacles for farmers in rural areas. Prior to the intervention by FHI, smallholder farmers in rural communities in Biakye District faced low crop yields due to inadequate access to reliable and quality agro-inputs. Many farmers had to travel long distances to find reputable suppliers, and some were exposed to expensive and fake inputs.
Recognizing these challenges, FHI since 2022 has been working in the Biakoye District to enable smallholder farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs. The program is aimed at promoting public-private partnerships and improving market access.
By creating public-private partnerships that financially support extension services, FHI aims to enhance smallholder farmers’ access to agricultural development and profitable market opportunities.
The training provided the youth with improved knowledge and skills, enabling them to start their own agro-input businesses in their communities. These businesses began as small units selling a range of inputs such as seed varieties, herbicides, fungicides, spray pumps, vegetable seeds, and coffee seedlings.
As a result, employment opportunities were created for the youth and the wider community. Yao Kwaku Sena, who established Sena Agro-input in Tsrefe town, is a testament to the positive outcomes of the programme.
Through the program, Yao’s capacity has been strengthened in terms of management, input, and output sourcing. The network established by the program has allowed him to operate competitively with other agro-dealers in the district. Yao appreciates the benefits of friendship, strong ties, and information sharing with 7 other agro-input dealers across the district. This wide network has enabled him to access a diverse range of inputs from reliable sources.
The program’s activities also focus on supply of free inputs to poor smallholder farmers including training farmers on how to properly use inputs, but also how to deal with contracts, group formation, leadership selection, and enterprise budgeting. The latter was also important in a market analysis determining the local demand for inputs.
Want to hear more from us?
Find out how we’re changing the lives of vulnerable people and promoting environmental sustainability.
This email newsletter is administered based on our privacy policy, which tells you more about how we use your information. You can unsubscribe at any time. Over 18s only.
© 2023- Future Hope International (FHI). All Rights Reserved
P. O. Box 44 Kpetoe, Volta Region, Ghana
No. AGO/D/01, American House
Email: futurehope2015@yahoo.com/futurehopegh@gmail.com
Tel: +233244647951/+233200 662592
