From Business Ghana

Smallholder farmers have identified delays by government in the supply of farm inputs; inadequate credit support and virtual absence of agricultural extension agents as impeding the development of their activities.

To them, though government recognized the problems facing smallholder farmers, only limited steps have been taken to address the situation.

They noted that the smallholder farmer had a place in agriculture, food security and broad based poverty reduction and should not be over emphasized.

The consultative meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture (MOFA), farmers and farmer networks discussed issues affecting smallholder agriculture and women smallholder farmers.

It was organized by Actionaid Ghana, to create a platform for key stakeholders to discuss the main issues and concerns, as well as build a consensus to address the challenges confronting the smallholder farmer.

The meeting will also develop a manual and a checklist on addressing key priority problems.

Mr Andrews Bukari, of the Upper East Regional Farmers Network, who spoke passionately on behalf of the farmers, said farmers had problems with late arrival of seed, which was their biggest challenge.

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