What is your understanding of Public-Private Partnership in agribusiness (agri-PPPs)?
Agri-PPPs brings together both the private sector and the public sector to share responsibilities in a particular field and reaping benefits that are shared by the communities they serve. Successful agri-PPPs increase the capability and capacity of the agri-sector and therefore improve livelihoods.
How useful are agri-PPPs in the Ghanaian context? Please provide examples? From your experience, what are the factors key to the successful implementation of agri-PPPs?
Agri-PPPs are not only useful in the Ghanaian context but the African context benefits such as improved health of the people, animals and the planet and addressing societal issues and growing the economy are not only beneficial to Ghana but also its neighbours. The approach of agri-PPPs should also seek to partner with Regional Economic Communities to foster the development of the region as a whole.
The private sector benefits from PPPs as they increase profitability and also getting exposure. However, successful PPPs need to be a win-win strategy for all parties involved. An example is a partnership between the Government of Ghana, World Bank, Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning - http://projects.worldbank.org/P125595/ghana-ppp-project?lang=en
How can we protect smallholders and share risks fairly, while at the same time ensuring that the agri-PPP is attractive to private investors?
To protect smallholders, the partnership should be set on mutual appreciation benefits and goals, a common understanding of the deliverables and strong leadership and resource availability. The Terms of Reference of the PPPs must be set out clearly, the duration predefined and the benefits understood by all participants. PPPs should be within the merits of the law and must be applicable to the relevant Government policies.
Which policy changes/reforms are required to improve private investment for agribusiness in Ghana through PPPs?
In this era of environmental degradation, tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment & Socio-Economic Impact Assessment should guide policymakers on a way forward in order to benefit the people, animals and the planet. An example is the recently formulated Africa Animal Welfare Strategy by the AU (IBAR) that seeks to balance the wellbeing of animals with that of people and the environment. A multi-stakeholder forum between government, government agencies, private investors and groups including civil society need to all have a seat at the roundtable.
Which institutional arrangements are required to promote agri-PPPs in Ghana for effective engagement and investment of the private sector in agribusiness in Ghana?
Well, this depends on the form of the PPPs, e.g. is it a transactional PPP, i.e. government procurement of specific services from the private sector, or is it a collaborative PPP, i.e joint commitment between the public and private sector and end-beneficiaries, may be a consortium of associations, etc. or is it a transformative PPP where there is a forming of capacity building to deliver otherwise complex major programmes. Whichever form though, the interest of all parties should be satisfied and the governance structures should be in place
How should support for increased private investment in agribusiness through PPPs be coordinated in Ghana?
Something like an 'Agricultural Developmental Plan/Strategy' should be in place, looking at the next 10 - 30 years which involves all stakeholders in the agri-sector. An implementation agency organised and tool to monitor and evaluate the objectives/goals.
How should progress on agri-PPPs implementation in Ghana be documented and reported?
Transparency is crucial, all ministries involved, e.g. finance, agriculture, development, etc. and investors and communities should be kept abreast of the outcomes. The Monitoring and Evaluation group/team should report on a quarterly basis to a 'select' coordinating committee comprised of representatives of all stakeholders involved.
Who are the main stakeholders for effective design, implementation and reporting on agri-PPPs in Ghana?
Relevant government departments (finance, agriculture, development, etc), academic institutions, civil society, banks and other agricultural finance houses and developmental organisations (national and international)
Mr. Tozie Zokufa