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| Buipewura Jinapor II |
The Savannah Region has the potential to feed the entire nation of Ghana a
nd even beyond its borders, according to Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs. This bold assertion was made during a stakeholder meeting in Damongo, where the Savannah Agriculture Brigade initiative was discussed.
Buipewura Jinapor emphasized the importance of embracing agriculture in the Savannah Region, citing its vast potential to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. He encouraged farmers, particularly those in Buipe, Damongo, and Bole, to join the Savannah Agriculture Brigade, which aims to promote commercial agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
The Savannah Region is endowed with fertile land, making it an ideal location for farming. In fact, the region boasts approximately 2.69 million hectares of land suitable for cropping and livestock rearing ¹. With the right support and infrastructure, the region can become a major hub for agricultural production in Ghana.
To achieve this vision, the Savannah Agriculture Brigade will focus on several key areas, including:
- *Mechanization and Technology Services*: Providing farmers with access to modern farming equipment and technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
- *Farm Financing and Input Support*: Offering financial assistance and inputs to farmers to help them scale up their operations.
- *Market Access*: Connecting farmers to markets and buyers to ensure they get a fair price for their produce.
- *Value Chain Development*: Supporting the development of value chains for various crops to create more opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
The Savannah Agriculture Brigade has already begun to take shape, with a technical board established to direct its operations. The Board will work closely with the Northern Development Authority (NDA) to identify areas of focus and develop strategies for implementation.
With the Savannah Region's vast agricultural potential and the support of initiatives like the Savannah Agriculture Brigade, Ghana may soon find itself relying on this region to meet its food needs. As Buipewura Jinapor II noted, the region is poised to feed not just Ghana but beyond its borders as well.
