Farmers in Sakai and surrounding areas of the Sissala East District in Ghana’s Upper West Region are experiencing renewed hope as they receive much-needed fertiliser through phase two of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program.
This initiative aims to support small-scale farmers by alleviating the financial burden of agricultural inputs and boosting productivity.
The distribution of the fertiliser arrives at a crucial time for many farmers struggling with the challenges of the planting season.
The arrival of these inputs has been met with widespread gratitude and optimism from the farming communities.
Saani Kantongboku, a local farmer, expressed his excitement about the impact of the fertiliser on the community.
“You can see the excitement everywhere,” he said with a smile. “Everyone is happy, every farmer is happy, and you see donkey carts loading supplies to their homes. This will ease our farming stress this season.”
Kantongboku highlighted that fertiliser availability will significantly benefit many in the community, especially women who previously struggled to afford adequate farming inputs.
“Most women who couldn’t afford two or three bags can now afford them, and maybe even more to supplement their little resources and be able to farm effectively,” he added.
The PFJ program is a crucial government initiative designed to support smallholder farmers and enhance food security in Ghana.
The program aims to improve crop yields and ensure that even economically disadvantaged farmers can fully participate in the agricultural season by providing subsidised agricultural inputs.
Another farmer, Kartu Buni Sam, emphasised the program’s importance for those who could not afford fertiliser on their own. “This initiative is a lifeline for us,” he said.
“We don’t have the money to buy what’s in the market, but now we have fertiliser to grow food.
The most important thing is where we can feed our families.”
Sam expressed his gratitude to the government for the support while acknowledging some concerns.
“It was very frustrating because we didn’t have money to buy fertiliser, and its delay left us worried,” he admitted.
“Even though it will help in a way, the rain has also disturbed us a little this season.
But now that it’s here, we can apply it to our crops, and at the end of the season, we’ll get something to stabilise our stomachs.
The unpredictability of the rainy season has further complicated the farming challenges in the region.
Inconsistent rainfall has impacted crop growth, making fertiliser availability even more crucial for enhancing soil fertility and promoting healthier crops.
Dudimah Adam Abdul Rahim, another Sakai farmer, reflected on the initial doubts about the PFJ program.
“When we first heard about the Planting for Food and Jobs program, we were sceptical because the planting season was already underway, and we hadn’t received any input,” he recalled.
“But then, slowly, the information started coming in, and eventually, we received the inputs.”
Rahim noted that while there were initial concerns and confusion about the timing of the fertiliser distribution, many farmers could eventually access the support they needed.
“Some people have not even seen their message, but they are getting the input. Some people, too—their names are not even there—are getting the input.
” What the government told us is that now we even know that the things will come,” he said.
The fertiliser distribution in Sakai is part of the second batch of supplies under the PFJ initiative.
While this has provided significant relief, farmers strongly desire continued support throughout the season.
“This is the first that we are receiving, and we think more will come,” Rahim said. “We’ve been assured by the agriculture officer from Tumu that more supplies will be sent to Sissala East, especially Sakai.”
