Development Partners Perceptions on Ghana’s Agriculture and Agribusiness

Abstract

This paper highlights the perceptions of Development Partners (DPs) who contribute to an enabling business environment, promoting Ghana’s agriculture (particularly agribusiness). Within this context little research exists that analyses how these DPs perceive the structure and interventions on possible gaps and how to further develop Ghana’s agribusiness sector. Using case study approach, four agribusiness structures and key findings are: Management and organization - government vision is not adequately streamlined and private sector is fragmented, Markets (domestic, export)- quality, infrastructure, supply and distribution chains need further development, Capital - increased government lead and inducement, an incentivised private banking sector and guarantee schemes for the agriculture/agribusiness sector are needed, and Government policy – is well written/thought through but there are implementation issues which make it ineffectual in some circumstances. Development paths proposed are 3 key agriculture/agribusiness interventions: insurance brokerage, R&D and infrastructure. Key recommendation to further strengthen Ghana’s agribusiness is for government to wean itself off development aid in a sustainable way.