World Vision Ghana Convenes National Forum to Boost Agricultural Market Linkages and Farmer Prosperity
Tamale, Ghana – World Vision Ghana, a prominent Christian relief, development, and advocacy organisation, recently hosted the 2026 National Market Actors’ Forum in Tamale. This significant event, part of the organisation’s “Everyone THRIVE” project, was meticulously designed to cultivate robust partnerships aimed at enhancing market access and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and agribusiness professionals across Ghana.
The three-day forum, themed “Partnering for Prosperity: Strengthening Market Linkages for All,” served as a crucial convergence point for a diverse array of stakeholders. Attendees included government officials, representatives from the private sector, development partners, financial institutions, farmer cooperatives, and various market actors operating throughout the agricultural value chain.
This initiative was a collaborative effort, organised in partnership with Farm Concern International, Fairtrade Africa, Pangea Africa, and Esoko. Financial support for the forum was provided by the Ghana Commodity Exchange, underscoring a shared commitment to agricultural development.
The forum’s agenda was rich with engaging discussions and insightful sessions. Key topics explored included the development of inclusive market systems, strategies for financing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and the burgeoning potential of digital agriculture marketplaces. Complementing these discussions, an exhibition showcased a range of innovative products, services, and inclusive business models that are shaping the future of agriculture.
Building Resilient Livelihoods Through Partnership
Dr. Tinah Tusiime Mukundah, National Director of World Vision Ghana, highlighted the forum’s critical role in fostering resilient and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for households facing economic vulnerability. She underscored the direct link between economic opportunity and child well-being, stating, “A child cannot thrive in a household that lacks fair access to economic opportunities.”
The “Everyone THRIVE” programme, launched in 2024, is an ambitious undertaking by World Vision Ghana. It aims to reach approximately 160,000 households and has a clear objective: to more than double the incomes of over 400,000 individuals within a three-year timeframe. The programme’s core strategy involves empowering households with the necessary capabilities, connections, and confidence to permanently ascend from poverty. This is achieved through strategic collaborations with government bodies, the private sector, civil society organisations, and other development actors.
Dr. Mukundah articulated World Vision Ghana’s perspective on its engagement: “We see farmers, savings groups, producer groups, and young agripreneurs not as beneficiaries, but as partners and co-creators of development.” This philosophy emphasizes empowerment and shared responsibility in driving progress.
A Call for Inclusive Business Models and Policy Support
A significant call to action was directed towards private sector entities and financial institutions. Dr. Mukundah urged them to conceptualise and implement inclusive business models that recognize smallholder farmers as valuable and investable partners. The rationale is clear: inclusive sourcing practices are fundamental to building robust and resilient supply chains, capable of withstanding economic shocks and fostering long-term stability.
Furthermore, Dr. Mukundah appealed to the government to establish an enabling policy environment. This environment should actively prioritise:
* Improved market access for smallholder farmers.
* Development of essential rural infrastructure.
* Expansion of agricultural insurance schemes.
* Implementation of fair pricing systems that benefit producers.
The importance of coordinated efforts among development partners was also stressed, aiming to prevent the duplication of resources and to build upon existing community structures and initiatives.
Looking ahead, Dr. Mukundah cited projections from the African Development Bank, indicating that Africa’s food and agribusiness market is poised to reach a staggering one trillion US dollars by 2030. She encouraged all stakeholders to proactively position Ghana to seize this immense economic opportunity.
Government Commitment to Agricultural Transformation
Mr. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, lauded World Vision Ghana and its partners for organising the forum, deeming it both timely and strategically vital. He acknowledged that agriculture remains the bedrock of the region’s economy but faces significant impediments, including restricted market access, insufficient financing, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of cohesive coordination among value chain participants.
“To transform our agricultural sector and create sustainable livelihoods, we must move beyond working in silos and strengthen linkages between producers, aggregators, processors, buyers, and financial institutions,” Mr. John asserted.
He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive market systems. This commitment is being translated into policies and programmes designed to enhance access to productive assets, bolster agricultural extension services, improve post-harvest management techniques, and broaden market opportunities for farmers.
Mr. John specifically highlighted the indispensable role of public-private partnerships. He articulated that while the government is responsible for creating the conducive policy and regulatory framework, the private sector brings essential capital, drives innovation, and contributes significantly to market efficiency.
Addressing Persistent Challenges in the Agricultural Sector
Despite these commitments, the Regional Minister did not shy away from acknowledging the persistent challenges confronting the agricultural sector. These include:
* Limited access to affordable financial resources.
* Inconsistent availability and quality of agricultural inputs.
* Inadequate rural infrastructure, encompassing feeder roads, storage facilities, and processing plants.
To surmount these obstacles, Mr. John called for a concerted and collective approach. This includes the exploration and implementation of blended finance models to mitigate investment risks in agriculture, the establishment of private sector-led input supply systems, and targeted public investments aimed at upgrading critical infrastructure. He urged all forum participants to translate discussions into concrete actions and commitments that will tangibly strengthen market systems and elevate livelihoods throughout the Northern Region.
The Imperative of Inclusion for Sustainable Development
Ms. Margaret Ansei, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, underscored the fundamental importance of inclusion in achieving sustainable development. She advocated for deliberate and proactive measures to ensure that women and other vulnerable groups are fully integrated into market systems and economic opportunities, thereby sharing in the benefits of agricultural growth.
The National Market Actors’ Forum was designed to be a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, a platform for strengthening collaborations among all stakeholders, and a generator of practical, actionable solutions to the systemic challenges that currently affect Ghana’s agricultural value chains.
