Enhancing Ghana’s Rice Value Chain through Contract Farming

The rice sector in Ghana has witnessed a significant boost with the implementation of targeted capacity-building workshops organized by the MOVE project in collaboration with its Matching Grant Fund Partners: Lolandi Rice Processing Center, Batbak Services and Hopeline Institute. The workshops, held in Tamale and Akuse from November 17 to December 2, 2024, focused on equipping rice stakeholders, including producers and processors, with the skills needed to connect farmers with buyers through tailored contract farming strategies.

As the rice market in Ghana becomes increasingly competitive, the importance of fostering strong linkages between producers and buyers cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, the MOVE project engaged an experienced Contract Farming expert to lead the workshops, ensuring participants received practical and actionable insights into contract farming.

The sessions were designed with adult learning methods, combining theoretical concepts with hands-on exercises to ensure an engaging and impactful learning experience. Participants were introduced to the crucial steps and procedures of contract farming, including the various typologies and strategies that can be tailored to specific needs.

By empowering rice processors and their partner producers with the knowledge and tools to develop effective contract farming frameworks, the workshops have laid the groundwork for stronger partnerships. These partnerships are expected to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the rice value chain in Ghana, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders—from smallholder farmers to processors and buyers.

By fostering stronger connections between producers and buyers, the MOVE project is not only enhancing the economic resilience of Ghana’s rice stakeholders but also contributing to a more robust agricultural sector.

The success of this initiative underscores the importance of strategic capacity-building efforts in achieving sustainable agricultural growth. As the MOVE project continues to bridge gaps in the rice value chain, it reinforces the vision of a thriving rice sector that supports livelihoods and strengthens Ghana’s position in the global agricultural market.

This initiative was made possible through funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It was implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the MOVE project.