The African Development Bank (AfDB) says Ghana’s rice value chain could receive a major boost from an $18.8 million grant approved for the implementation of the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains (REWARD) Project.

The General Manager of the African Development Bank Group’s Ghana office, Halima Hashi, said the initiative would focus on increasing rice productivity, improving market access and supporting agribusiness development across the country.

“This project will help strengthen Ghana’s rice value chain by increasing productivity, improving market access, and supporting agribusiness development,” Halima Hashi said.

“By investing in climate-resilient agriculture, the initiative will contribute to food security, job creation, and more inclusive economic growth,” she added.

She also noted that the $18.8 million grant, approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group, would support Ghana’s efforts to increase domestic rice production and reduce its dependence on imports.

The REWARD Project will invest in climate-resilient rice production systems, improve farmers’ access to quality inputs and mechanisation, and support irrigation and land development in selected production areas.

Implementation will focus on selected districts within Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone, where rice production has significant potential but remains constrained by climate risks, inadequate infrastructure and weak market integration.

The project will also target the post-production side of the rice industry by supporting the modernisation of processing facilities and strengthening market linkages between farmers, processors and buyers.

According to the AfDB, greater private-sector participation across the rice value chain will also be encouraged as part of efforts to build a more competitive and commercially viable rice industry.

Ghana’s growing demand for rice has continued to outpace domestic production, leaving the country dependent on imports and vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices.

The REWARD Project is therefore expected to help narrow the gap between domestic supply and demand by improving productivity and strengthening local production systems.

The initiative comes as agriculture remains a key component of Ghana’s economy, supporting livelihoods, creating employment opportunities and contributing significantly to national food security.

The AfDB believes that investment in resilient rice production and stronger market systems will contribute to a more competitive domestic rice industry and help position local producers to better meet the country’s growing demand for rice.

ANAS/MA

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