For many farmers in Busunu in the Savannah Region, buying seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs once meant travelling several kilometers to neighboring towns. Today, that journey is no longer necessary.
The establishment of the Boost to Bloom Input Dealer Shop in the community has brought quality agricultural inputs closer to farmers while creating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
As part of the boost to bloom project, ten (10) input dealership shop will be established in the Northern part of Ghana.
One of those benefiting from the initiative is Abubakar Lazarus, who now manages the Busunu outlet.
“As a person with a disability, finding a stable job was difficult, today, I have the opportunity to earn a living while serving my community.” He spoke.
For Lazarus, the shop represents more than employment. It has restored his confidence and given him the opportunity to become financially independent.
He further stated that every day, he assists farmers to access the inputs they need without travelling long distances, saving them both time and transportation costs.
According to Lazarus, he enjoys meeting farmers and helping them get the products they need for their farms. When they tell me how convenient it has become to buy inputs here in Busunu, I feel proud to be part of the change,” he said.
The Busunu outlet is one of four Boost to Bloom input dealer shops established in Busunu, Sakoti, Yapei and Dagbiribogri under the Boost to Bloom Project.
Implemented by Agrihouse Foundation with strategic support from AGRA and funding from the Mastercard Foundation through the Young Africa Works – Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Food Systems in Africa (YEEFA) programme, the project seeks to improve access to agricultural inputs while creating economic opportunities for young people, particularly women and persons with disabilities in Northern Ghana.
For communities such as Busunu, the impact extends beyond agriculture. By bringing essential farm inputs closer to farmers and creating jobs for people who are often excluded from the labour market, the initiative is helping bridge two critical gaps access to agricultural services and inclusive employment.
For Lazarus, that opportunity has changed her life.
“All I needed was a chance. Now, I am not only earning a living but also helping farmers in my community succeed,” he said.
