The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an $18.8 million grant to support Ghana’s efforts to increase domestic rice production, strengthen food security and create employment through the implementation of the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains (REWARD) Project. The funding, approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors, will help modernize Ghana’s rice value chain by increasing productivity, improving market access and reducing the country’s dependence on imported rice.
Agriculture remains a vital sector of Ghana’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of people and playing a key role in national food security. However, domestic rice production has struggled to keep pace with rising demand, increasing reliance on imports and exposing the country to fluctuations in global food prices.
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The REWARD Project will invest in climate-resilient rice production systems, expand access to improved seeds and agricultural inputs, promote mechanization, and strengthen irrigation and land development in key rice-growing areas. The initiative will also modernize rice processing facilities, improve market linkages and encourage greater private sector participation throughout the rice value chain to enhance the competitiveness of locally produced rice.
Project implementation will focus on selected districts within Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone, where agricultural potential remains high despite challenges including climate change, limited infrastructure and weak market integration.
“This project will help strengthen Ghana’s rice value chain by increasing productivity, improving market access, and supporting agribusiness development. By investing in climate-resilient agriculture, the initiative will contribute to food security, job creation, and more inclusive economic growth,” said Halima Hashi, Country Manager of the African Development Bank Group’s Ghana Country Office.
The project supports Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda under the Feed Ghana Programme and aligns with the African Development Bank’s strategic priorities on climate-smart agriculture, private sector development and inclusive economic growth. It also contributes to wider regional efforts to strengthen food systems and agricultural resilience across West Africa.
Source: African Development Bank Group.
