AfDB Approves $18.8 Million Grant to Boost Ghana’s Rice Production and Food Security

ACCRA, Ghana (XOL Africa) The African Development Bank Group has approved an $18.8 million grant to support Ghana’s efforts to increase rice production, strengthen food security, and create jobs through the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains (REWARD) Project.

The project aims to improve productivity across Ghana’s rice value chain, enhance market systems, reduce the country’s reliance on rice imports, and increase the competitiveness of locally produced rice.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Ghana’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions and playing a critical role in national food security. However, domestic rice production has struggled to meet growing consumer demand, leaving the country dependent on imports and vulnerable to fluctuations in global food prices.

The REWARD project will address these challenges through investments in climate resilient rice production, improved access to quality agricultural inputs, mechanization, irrigation development, and land improvement in major rice producing areas.

The initiative will also support the modernization of rice processing facilities, improve connections between farmers and markets, and encourage greater private sector participation throughout the rice value chain.

Implementation will focus on selected districts in Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone, an area with strong agricultural potential but where productivity has been limited by climate risks, infrastructure gaps, and weak market integration.

“This project will help strengthen Ghana’s rice value chain by increasing productivity, improving market access, and supporting agribusiness development,” said Halima Hashi, Country Manager for Ghana at the African Development Bank Group.

“By investing in climate resilient agriculture, the initiative will contribute to food security, job creation, and more inclusive economic growth,” she added.

The REWARD Project supports Ghana’s agricultural transformation goals under the Feed Ghana Programme and aligns with the African Development Bank’s priorities on climate resilient agriculture, private sector development, and inclusive growth.

The initiative is also part of wider regional efforts to strengthen food systems and build resilience across West Africa.