Abstract
This study assessed the perceptions of stakeholders concerning implementation activities of a Food Security and RiceProducers Organisation Project (FSRPOP) in Northern Ghana. The project aimed at building the capacities of farmerbased organisations (FBOs) to assist rice farmers access credit, organise production inputs and improve market access.The study results showed that although access to input supply and production credit improved, enhancing farmers’marketing capacity was not successful. The management capacity of the FBOs was weak in performing more complexadministrative issues and market facilitating roles. Timely provision of production inputs, use of custom basedprocessing and credit inventory system for maximum profit were some of the lessons learnt. Facilitation of farmer -medium scale buyer linkages and the development of lessons-based action plan for change with beneficiaries wererecommended
Highlights
Rice is a commodity of strategic importance to Africa and has become the fastest-growing food source to both rich and poor households (Nwanze et al 2006)
The purpose was to enable the farmer based organisations (FBOs) relate better with the financial institutions improving on farmer access to credit, organise production inputs and improve on access to market
In addition to technical support the FBOs were provided with logistics to facilitate the movement and operations of its officials
Summary
Rice is a commodity of strategic importance to Africa and has become the fastest-growing food source to both rich and poor households (Nwanze et al 2006). Other constraints limiting production include lack of access to credit, shortage of water, pests, diseases, unavailability of suitable varieties, low quality of locally processed rice and inefficient markets for inputs and produce (Furuya and Sakurai, 2003; Adolph and Chancellor, 2006) It is against this background that development efforts to revamp the rice industry in Ghana have become crucial in recent times. Qualitative research methodology was employed in the field survey to address study objectives This was complemented with review of literature on FBOs. Using participatory appraisal techniques semi structured interviews, group discussions and informal interactions were conducted among the different stakeholders participating in the Food Security and Rice Producers Organisation Project (FSRPOP) in Northern Ghana
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
