Digital technology – A game changer for Ghana’s agricultural input distribution

Fertilizers Distributed to Farmers

Delivering free or subsidized agricultural inputs to farmers in Ghana is challenging. This is especially true during emergencies when speed is crucial. The goal is simple: help smallholder farmers improve yields and boost food security. However, inefficiencies and delays often hinder these efforts.

Using Digital Technology for Registration

Great news! Digital technology can help streamline this process. With support from the World Bank's West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) launched the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP). This innovative digital solution improves the distribution of agricultural inputs, ensuring faster delivery even during crises.

The timing was perfect for GhAAP's introduction. Shortly after its launch, Ghana faced multiple crises requiring quick government action to assist farmers.

Recent Crises Impacting Farmers

In 2022, a macroeconomic crisis pushed nearly 850,000 Ghanaians into poverty. This worsened food insecurity across the country. In 2023, controlled spillage from dams caused flooding that displaced thousands and damaged cropland. Then in 2024, a long dry spell reduced crop yields for major staples, raising food prices.

Thanks to GhAAP, MoFA quickly distributed essential inputs like fertilizers and seeds to affected farmers. The platform’s database of over 1.2 million farmers helped identify eligible beneficiaries efficiently. Even unregistered farmers could register quickly and receive inputs simultaneously.

World Bank Support for GhAAP

The development of GhAAP was funded by the World Bank under FSRP-Ghana. In response to recent crises, $40 million worth of inputs were distributed to 155,000 smallholder farmers, including 20,000 flood-affected households. An additional $85 million supported another 500,000 farmers impacted by the prolonged dry spell.

Ensuring Transparency in Distribution

All farmers receiving inputs are registered on GhAAP with detailed records stored in a database. The registration system includes checks to minimize errors and ensure transparency during distribution. Each farmer is identified using their Ghana Card number with accurate georeferencing of their farms and residences.

Officers capture photos during input distribution to prevent duplication or impersonation. This rigorous process ensures resources reach intended beneficiaries while promoting accountability.

Validating Input Distribution Success

Despite improvements, one question remained: Did the inputs reach the farmers as reported? To assess GhAAP's effectiveness, the World Bank conducted a phone survey with 1,520 randomly selected beneficiaries from the relief programs.

The results were positive:

- 86% of flood relief program participants confirmed receiving inputs.
- 74% of macroeconomic crisis program participants also confirmed receipt.
- 98.6% of flood victims received NPK fertilizers.
- 90% obtained inputs free of charge; however, 10% reported making some payments.

These findings challenge the notion that government-distributed inputs fail to reach beneficiaries effectively.

A Model for Future Distribution

Ghana’s experience with GhAAP shows how digital solutions can transform emergency responses in agriculture.

By Ashwini Sebastian & Ebenezer Offei Ansah
Source: World Bank