Dr. Bocar Diagana, Director of IFDC’s Enabling Impact Programme, has underscored the organization’s steadfast dedication to advancing agricultural transformation across Ghana and the broader African continent.
Speaking at the recently concluded IFDC 2024 Open Door event and the global 50th-anniversary launch themed ’50 Years of Developing Agriculture from the Ground’, Dr. Diagana emphasized IFDC’s intent to strengthen partnerships with key national agricultural stakeholders.
“IFDC remains deeply committed to supporting agricultural transformation in Ghana and across Africa. Our mission revolves around empowering farmers, improving soil fertility, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security. Through our global strategy pillars focusing on technology research and development, soil health, market development, and creating an enabling environment, we aim to drive positive change and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector,” he stated.
Dr. Diagana highlighted IFDC’s strategy to address challenges faced by smallholder farmers through strategic partnerships and enhancing the agricultural value chain.
“While we acknowledge the challenges within agricultural value chains, including climate issues and economic crises, we also recognize the opportunities for innovation and collaboration. It’s imperative to leverage the collective expertise and resources of global and national partners, including the private sector and farmers, to effectively address these challenges,” he noted.
Encouraging all agricultural stakeholders to unite their efforts, Dr. Diagana expressed confidence in realizing agriculture’s full potential as a catalyst for sustainable development and prosperity in Ghana.
Dr. Oumou Camara, Vice President of Programmes and Regional Director of North and West Africa at IFDC, emphasized the organization’s focus on soil health and smallholder farmer empowerment to tackle global food security challenges. She highlighted the significance of collaboration with strategic partners in building local capacity and ensuring long-term impact.
“At IFDC, we prioritize soil health and technology transfer to smallholder farmers, connecting them to profitable markets. Collaboration with strategic partners is key to building local capacity and ensuring sustainable impact,” Dr. Camara affirmed.
IFDC’s interventions in Ghana aim to boost food production quality, reduce waste, and promote climate-smart farming systems among smallholder farmers, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural productivity.
