The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has organized a one-day capacity-building and input distribution exercise in Kamgbunli, Ellembelle District of the Western Region. The initiative forms part of the project titled “Enhancing Vegetable Productivity and Market Linkages to Improve Job Creation and Sustained Incomes for Smallholder Farmers in Ghana”, supported by the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) and the MasterCard Foundation.
During the event, PFAG distributed essential farming inputs including two solar pumping machines, five knapsack sprayers, 100 organic pesticides, and four soil testing kits. These tools are aimed at improving productivity, promoting organic farming, and enabling all-year-round vegetable cultivation through irrigation.
Mr. Wepia Awal Adugwula, President of PFAG, emphasized that the Association’s vision is to empower women and youth vegetable farmers to contribute to Ghana’s self-sufficiency in vegetable production. He noted that the project seeks to enhance livelihoods by increasing production, improving market access, creating jobs, and strengthening the resilience of the vegetable value chain—ultimately contributing to food security and poverty reduction.
Mr. Awal highlighted that the initiative also supports the government’s efforts to reduce tomato imports from Burkina Faso and promote the consumption of locally grown produce. He added that the soil testing kits will help farmers identify suitable soils for vegetable cultivation, while the solar-powered irrigation systems will ensure continuous farming throughout the year.
Dr. Roger Akanbisik, PFAG’s Programmes Officer, reiterated the Association’s commitment to helping farmers create sustainable employment. He stressed the importance of empowering farmers with better bargaining power to sell directly to consumers, thereby eliminating middlemen. Dr. Akanbisik also revealed plans to establish farmer market centres in five districts to strengthen market linkages and encourage local farmer markets.
This initiative underscores PFAG’s dedication to building a resilient and self-sustaining agricultural sector that supports smallholder farmers, enhances food security, and drives rural economic growth.
Mr. Oliver Nyame Cudjoe, An Assistant Director of Agriculture Ellembelle, expressed gratitude to PFAG for the support and acknowledged that the distributed items would significantly help realize the dream of continuous vegetable production in Kamgbunli. He advised farmers to handle the equipment with care and took the opportunity to educate them on key topics such as Good Agronomic Practices, Marketing Strategies, and Postharvest Handling of Vegetables. Mr. Cudjoe further encouraged farmers to form cooperatives to access financial support from banks and government programs. He also urged them to conduct market surveys to identify consumer preferences and seasonal demands to minimize postharvest losses.
During the workshop, registered participants each received a bottle of organic pesticide as part of the input distribution exercise.
Madam Marian Kabenla Musah, Secretary of the Tomato Farmers Association at Kamgbunli, expressed appreciation to PFAG for their continuous support. She noted that before PFAG’s intervention, farmers lacked knowledge on the safe use of chemicals in vegetable farming. Through PFAG’s training, they have adopted natural and organic fertilizers, which are safer and more sustainable. She added that the support has improved farmers’ livelihoods, enabling them to better provide for their families. Madam Musah also highlighted the challenge of soil testing and appealed to PFAG and the government to provide more natural and organic fertilizers to boost productivity.
In closing remarks, Mr. Wepia Awal Adugwula, President of PFAG, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained and work collaboratively to achieve the project’s objectives. The event concluded with a group photograph featuring the donated items, symbolizing unity and commitment among the farmers. Beneficiary farmers expressed excitement and pledged to make good use of the equipment to increase productivity, income levels, and overall livelihoods. The meeting ended on a positive note with a closing prayer.