International Development Grant

Ghanaian Farmers' Economic Advancement Through Seedlings

Project Number: CA-3-D001427001

Status: Closed

Country/Region:

Ghana 100.00%

Maximum Contribution: $10,744,696.00

Start Date: August 05, 2015

End Date: September 30, 2022

Duration: 7.2 years

Project Description

This project enhances the productivity and profitability of Ghanaian small farmers (women and men) and small enterprises in tree crops industries in Northern Central and Coastal regions of Ghana. It is designed to respond to the decline in Ghana’s tree crop industry. Working with a Canadian private sector firm Tree Global Canada its Ghanaian subsidiary and women-owned small and medium enterprises in the tree seedling industry MEDA helps to establish commercial nurseries with distribution networks reaching farming communities across the country.

Expected Results

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased number of farmers profitably planting quality tree seedlings in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner; (2) strengthened quality seedlings supply chain to support farmers small enterprises and tree crop industries; and (3) improved business enabling environment to support commercial sales of quality seedlings including through cost/benefit and feasibility studies and policy reforms.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of the end of the project (December 2022) include: (1) trained 72 541 farmers (of which 26.2% women) in good agricultural practices and the benefits of planting high-quality seedlings in an environmentally sustainable manner; 86% of these farmers have increased access to and affordability of improved seedlings have acquired knowledge and skills on best practices and have increased access to finance and market. (2) trained farmers contributed to the production and sale of 12 983 463 high-performance tree seedlings to 80 658 farmers (of which 52.2% women). The targeted women-led SMEs (100%) had enhanced their ability to nurture and supply quality seedlings at affordable price to farmers. The project has helped them to expand their businesses increased their productive capacities and incomes and enhanced their reputation and status in society. SMEs now follow the nursery standards set by the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) representing a 20% over achievement compared to the initial target.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
Mennonite Economic DevelopmentAssociates of Canada

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
WGM Africa

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Agricultural development 50%
Agro-industries 50%

Aid Type: Project-type interventions

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Unsolicited Proposal

Policy Markers
Level 1 Gender equality
Level 2 Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting)
Level 1 Participatory development and good governance
Level 1 Trade development
Level 1 Climate Change Adaptation
Level 1 Children's issues
Level 1 Youth Issues
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2015-04-01 to 2016-03-31 $10,744,696 CAD
Geographic Information
967
Reference ID: 222