The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has unveiled a $3 million (approximately 48 million Ghanaian cedis) initiative to support farmers impacted by drought and enhance healthcare services in northern Ghana.
The funding, provided under the Feed the Future Resilience in Northern Ghana Systems Strengthening Activity, will be channeled through selected civil society organizations in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ghana Health Service.
“This initiative is vital for ensuring that communities have access to nutritious food, quality healthcare, and essential social services,” said Maureen Malavé, USAID/Ghana Nutrition and Social Protection Lead, at the grant launch in Tamale.
Supporting Farmers Through Climate-Smart Solutions
A significant portion of the funds—$1.7 million—will be directed towards aiding smallholder farmers grappling with the effects of a severe dry spell. The program aims to train over 10,000 farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices, such as dry-season farming, while providing them with inputs to grow crops like cowpea, yellow maize, soybean, sesame, and moringa.
In addition, farmers will receive guidance on raising guinea fowls, roosters, and rabbits to diversify their livelihoods. The initiative also includes a logistical component to facilitate the transport of surplus agricultural products to areas experiencing food shortages.
This support builds on a recent USAID contribution of $1.7 million, delivered through the World Food Programme, to assist communities hit hardest by the drought.
Improving Maternal and Child Health
The remaining $1.3 million is allocated to enhance nutrition and maternal and child healthcare in northern Ghana. Key interventions include creating and strengthening community health platforms and introducing “pregnancy schools” to educate parents on healthy pregnancies and preventing malnutrition.
A History of Partnership
The United States continues to be Ghana’s largest development partner, with USAID alone investing over $150 million in the past year to support programs in health, agriculture, education, economic growth, and governance.
This latest initiative underscores the U.S. commitment to fostering resilience and improving livelihoods in Ghana’s northern regions.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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