GHANA – Guinness Ghana Breweries (GGB Plc), the local subsidiary of British drinks giant Diageo, has inked a partnership deal with the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) to enhance sustainable production and supply of high-quality white sorghum to farmers.
The initiative, known as Partnership for Sustainable Sorghum Sourcing in Ghana (P3SG), would empower over 12,500 smallholder and commercial farmers, including women and youth, to produce 72,375 metric tons of sorghum within the project period, spanning from 2023 to 2028.
According to the local daily Ghanaian Times, SNV will contribute its expertise in strengthening agri-food systems.
The interventions planned under the P3SG will focus, among other things, on the reorganization of farmers operating in the sector, the improvement of production contracts, and the implementation of training on improved sorghum production techniques.
The statement quotes Ms. Helene Weesie, the Managing Director of Guinness Ghana, saying that farmers’ inability to meet the demands of the company stems from poor yields.
She said factors that caused poor yields included inadequate access to production resources, financial services for investment in production, and climate variabilities.
“We are committed to doing business the right way and ensuring our operations are sustainable by design, improved farmer organization, mutual understanding of quality and supply standards across the supply chain,” Ms. Weesie said.
“The company is dedicated to equitable pricing, improved production techniques to enhance yield and quality while meeting environmental and quality standards, and active involvement of women and youth in production and trading to create new dynamics in the sub-sector.”
The brewer is currently implementing a supply program involving nearly 30,000 producers from whom it buys 55% of its raw materials, including sorghum, corn, and cassava.
Mr. Pieter Spaarman, the Country Director of SNV Ghana said SNV had vast expertise and knowledge in the agric sector and would work tirelessly to deliver on the mandate.
Working with partners, he said the P3SG Project would be implemented effectively to improve livelihoods of farmers, increase access to basic services, and safeguard sustainable and quality practices along the white sorghum value chain.
