Norwegian government strengthens soybean value chain to expand market access for farmers

The Norwegian government is bolstering an initiative to enhance the soybean value chain in Ghana, with the aim of expanding market access for farmers. The €3 million Making Agrifood Markets Accessible (MAMA) programme, led by IDH, AGRA, IITA, and YARA, targets 10,000 smallholder farmers, 60 per cent of whom are women. The three-year programme seeks to create 20,750 jobs, partner with six SMEs, and collaborate with various stakeholders to improve market access, agronomy, seed systems, and crop nutrition.

Soybean, a crucial crop in Ghana, contributes to agriculture, food security, animal feed production, and incomes, especially for women and rural households. Despite its potential, smallholder farmers, SMEs, women, and young people face challenges such as limited access to finance, quality inputs, mechanisation, extension services, and structured markets.

The MAMA programme aims to establish stronger linkages between soybean farmers and major buyers, improve access to quality inputs, extension services, and better farming practices, while promoting inclusive growth by increasing the participation of women and young people in the value chain.