By Fatima Anafu- Astanga, GNA
Bolgatanga, May 28, GNA - Stakeholders in agriculture have been given an orientation to deepen their understanding on the implementation of standardized activities for Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana (MAG).
The sensitization workshop held in Bolgatanga was attended by district chief executives, coordinating directors, finance officers, researchers and staff of MoFA from all districts and municipal assemblies as well as some key institutions and departments.
Mr Francis Ennor, Regional Director, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, said there were gaps in the implementation of the MAG and these include low appreciation of roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, leading to challenges in accessing funds by implementing departments.
He said even though the implementation of MAG started in 2017 challenges among districts and regions on MAG activities called for more sensitization to bring about harmony in the implementation.
Mr Ennor said the Canadian supported initiative which is expected to end in 2021 will improve farmers productivity and efficiency levels in the value chains as well as strengthen national market linkages to ensure improved livelihoods.
To this end, he called for effective collaboration to achieve the objectives of MAG adding that this would also help in preparing effective plans in the total effort.
Mr Emmanuel Garti, an official from the MAG Secretariat, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the role of women in MAG, said women were not marginalized in the effort adding that more work is being done to look at all concerns to help MoFA tailor gender specific plans that would guide effective work in the MAG.
He said gender was critical in MAG and it comes with annual performance targets to be achieved to bring improvement in the sector.
Speaking on how MAG will affect women, he said when woman’s role is well understood in agricultural production, then the appropriate solution would be found to address their special issues.
Mr Garti said the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) plays a key role in MAG to address women technology challenges when they arise.
Presentations were made by officials of MAG that included roles and responsibilities of decentralized departments, financial flow and processing of funds among others.
MAG is focused on four components and they aim to increase efficiency of local farmers through value chain development and effective service delivery, support agricultural services to build linkages and promote efficiency in commodity value chain development.
It further focuses on agricultural research to strengthen extension delivery and the development of an enabling environment to improve productivity and competitiveness.
GNA
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