Participants at the ToT in a group picture

To enhance food security and elevate nutrition standards for all, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) with funding from the Japanese Embassy in Ghana, have joined forces to implement one of FAO’s flagship Programme, “One Country One Commodity Programme” (OCOP) with a specific focus on soybean.

Having gained prominence in Ghana over the last three decades, soybean has become a staple in the poultry industry, proving its versatility for direct human consumption in various food forms. A Training of Trainers (ToT) meeting was held recently to provide knowledge and raise awareness among farm families and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) processing soybeans.

“This initiative would not only raise soybean productivity but also significantly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers” said, the director of crops services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Solomon Gyan Ansah.

Empowering Women in Agriculture

One notable aspect of this initiative is its commitment to women empowerment in agriculture. The Women in Agricultural Development Directorate (WIAD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has played a key role in promoting soybean consumption in Ghana.

"We believe soybean is a nutritional game-changer, contributing significantly to our efforts in reducing malnutrition levels," said the director of the WIAD, Paulina Addy.

WIAD has also integrated soybeans into locally processed products such as gari and soy kebabs. This has stimulated micro and small-scale businesses and has opened doors for women in agribusiness.

"The project will contribute to the overall objectives of Ghana's Planting for Food and Jobs Phase 2 (PFJ 2.0), which aims to transform agricultural value chains for economic development through the active participation of the private sector in 11 commodities, including soybeans". said the Assistant FAO Representative to Ghana, Benjamin Adjei.

Soybean in Education and Gender Dynamics:

The inclusion of soybeans in the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) is a strategic move towards improving the nutrition of children under five. Beyond its nutritional benefits, incorporating soybean into the ingredients can effectively manage feeding costs, positively influencing education and gender dynamics by encouraging school attendance and retention.

The training also received technical support from the private sector and civil society, pioneers in the soybean value chain. These partners including Degas Africa, Koko Plus Foundation, and Yedent Agro Group of Companies Limited emphasize the essence of robust food safety systems within the soyabean value chain. They collectively advocate for best practices, dispel myths, and promote the demand for soy-based nutritious foods.

FAO Ghana envisions a future where soybean's impact extends beyond poultry farming, positively influencing income and socioeconomic status. Collaborating with MoFA and other partners, FAO Ghana is dedicated to promoting the production and consumption of soybeans in Ghana, believing that together, it will unlock the full potential of soybeans as a catalyst for a more sustainable and nourished future.