FAO in Ghana

FAO holds a Multi-Stakeholders dialogue on Enhancing capacities for effective resource mobilisation and use to improve food security and nutrition in Ghana

The FAO Representative to Ghana Dr. Abebe Haile Gabriel Addressing participants at the opening of the dialogue
26/08/2016

A multi-stakeholders dialogue to foster greater inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination for achievement of Food Security and Nutrition, in Ghana has been held under the FAO project Enhanced Capacities for Effective Mobilization and Use of Resources for Food Security and Nutrition.

The dialogue brought together officials from Government ministries, representatives of private sector and civil society organisations in the Food and Nutrition Security sectors in Ghana.

Addressing participants at the opening of the dialogue the FAO Representative to Ghana Dr. Abebe Haile Gabriel observed there is need for inter-sectorial synergies and multi-stakeholders engagement to ensure efficient and effective mobilisation and utilization of resources towards achieving the food security and nutrition objectives of the country.

Dr. Abebe said FAO will continue to strongly support the efforts of the Government of Ghana in its efforts in developing and implementing policies and strategies that will to create and sustain enabling environments in terms of creating incentives for key sectors and actors for them to make a dent on ending food insecurity and malnutrition.

Food insecurity and malnutrition has remained a serious challenge in developing regions, including Africa, despite numerous policy commitments and progresses achieved thus far.  Mobilisation of adequate resources and their efficient utilisation for achieving food security and nutrition has been a major policy concern in the context of the commitment by African leaders to allocate at least 10% of their national budget to agriculture. While allocation of increased public resources is absolutely necessary, it is also crucial to recognise that constructive engagement and creating the necessary enabling policy environment for private sector for enhanced investment   in food security and nutrition related activities is key. Similarly, enhancing capacities of non-state actors for them to support the transformation agenda and enhance mutual accountability at the local or national level in light of Ghana’s decentralization serves as an anchor for realizing set targets.

The project aims at increasing food security and nutrition in Malawi and Ghana through improving resource allocation to National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs) by improving capacities of state and non-state actors to monitor public expenditures and to facilitate inclusive public private partnerships.

In recognition of the role of investment in contributing to poverty reduction and eliminating hunger, African states committed to a target of allocating at least 10% of public expenditure to agriculture and rural development as part of the 2003 Maputo Declaration and the 2014 Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agriculture Growth and Transformation. .

At the conclusion of the dialogue, , participants called for the need to strengthen partnership through existing structures, share plans, identify roles and mutually support capacity building for enhanced resource mobilization and utilisation in the food and agriculture sector.