A new report about the agriculture value chain has suggested that District Value Chain Committees (DVCCs) should be integrated into the local government system. This integration aims to strengthen governance within the agricultural value chain at the district level.
By doing this, the report believes that agricultural practices can be improved, benefiting farmers and the community. The report highlights how these committees can help make agricultural policies more effective and impactful.
Key Takeaway TO Joining District Value Chain Committees
- Joining District Value Chain Committees: Integrating District Value Chain Committees into local government can enhance agricultural practices and improve policy implementation.
What Are District Value Chain Committees?
District Value Chain Committees (DVCCs) are groups formed to help manage and improve agricultural practices within a specific area. They focus on making sure that farmers and other stakeholders can work together effectively. The recent report recommends that these committees be linked more closely with local governments to ensure they have the support and resources needed to succeed.
The report also stresses the importance of developing strategic plans for these committees. These plans will guide them in their efforts to improve agricultural practices and ensure that policies are properly implemented.
Purpose of the Study
The study that led to this report was conducted by the USAID Feed the Future Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity. The aim was to assess how well the DVCCs are working and if they are capable of supporting the agricultural value chain effectively.
Dr. Michael Pervarah, the research consultant, presented the findings during a Validation Workshop and Regional Public-Private Dialogues (PPDs) on Value Chain Governance Mechanisms held in Wa.
The research focused on 16 out of the 17 districts within the USAID Zone of Influence (ZOI) in northern Ghana. This includes the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and North East Regions.
Specifically, five districts in the Upper West Region—Sissala West, Sissala East, Wa East, Nadowli-Kaleo, and Daffiama-Bussie-Issa—took part in the study.
Findings from the Report
The report concluded that DVCCs are crucial for driving policy implementation, coordination, and advocacy within the agricultural sector. However, it also highlighted that these committees need more training and support to be effective. “Given their current status, capacity building and reorganisation are urgently required to make them effective and functional,” the study stated.
It is vital for the MSR Activity to assist in integrating these committees into local governance and to help them develop strategic plans. Building the skills of DVCC members is essential for ensuring they can perform their roles successfully.
Goals of the MSR Activity
During the workshop, Mr. Samson Konlan, the Team Lead for the “Enabling Environment” of the MSR Activity, explained the goals of the initiative. He mentioned that the aim is to boost economic growth in the agricultural sector in northern Ghana.
This will be done by promoting and strengthening institutions, increasing access to agricultural services, and improving the overall environment for farming.
Mr. Konlan also pointed out that the Value Chain Mechanisms are designed to enhance policy implementation. By improving governance within the value chain, agricultural productivity can be increased.
He noted that while government policies are usually driven by the public sector, involving private-sector actors in policy implementation is crucial for success.
Importance of Ownership and Community Involvement
Madam Mavis Derigubah, the Wa East District Director of Agriculture, stressed that DVCC members should take ownership of the initiative. She encouraged them to include DVCC activities in their local development plans to ensure that these efforts are sustainable over the long term.
When local committees feel responsible for their actions, they are more likely to work hard to achieve their goals.
Mr. Iddrisu Issah Bolunbu, a mechanisation service provider from Sissala East Municipality, shared his thoughts on the value of DVCCs. He explained that these committees are essential because they connect different players in the value chain, helping everyone access the services they need.
This connection can lead to better collaboration and stronger agricultural practices.
Participation in the Workshop
The workshop attracted a variety of participants, including District Directors of Agriculture, Coordinating Directors, and private-sector actors from the five districts involved in the study.
This diverse group underscores the importance of bringing together different stakeholders to discuss and improve the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The report recommending the integration of District Value Chain Committees into the local government system is a significant step towards enhancing agricultural practices in Ghana. By working together with local governments, these committees can better support farmers and implement effective agricultural policies.
With proper training and support, the DVCCs have the potential to make a positive impact on the agricultural landscape in northern Ghana.
The collaboration among different stakeholders, including public and private sectors, is essential for creating a sustainable agricultural environment. As the DVCCs take on more responsibility, they can help pave the way for a brighter future for farming in the region.
