LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PRO-POOR DEVELOPMENT IN GHANA - THE BLOCK FARMING SYSTEM IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This study set to find out the role of decentralization in poverty reduction using the Block Palming Project as a case. The main objective of the study was to find out how the Wa Municipal Assembly is contributing to poverty reduction in the Municipality through the implementation of the Block Farming Project within the context of District Development Planning and Management. Specifically the study sought to analyze the criteria used in targeting beneficiaries of the Block Farming Project, examine the effectiveness of the project for pro-poor targeting and to find out how it has contributed to poverty reduction. The study used qualitative and quantitative research methods in data collection. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among beneficiaries, MOFA staff, Wa Municipal Assembly staff and Assembly members. The study established that beneficiaries were captured for the project based on their own interest, without any form of discrimination. The project is effective in reaching poor fanners in deprived communities. It also provides them with Low Cost Credit in the form of farm inputs (certified/ improved seeds, tractor services, subsidized fertilizer and pesticides) and extension services in order to explore the benefits of economies of scale. The project created employment among the rural poor, increased productivity, improved incomes ':long farmers and increased food security. However it is challenged with delay in the supply of inputs, high credit default rate, non-involvement of farmers in decision making, difficulty in locating large plots of land for block farms and inadequate logistics for Agric Extension Agents (AEAs). The study concludes that for the project to successfully achieve its objective of reducing poverty of beneficiaries, challenges of the project need to be addressed through early supply of farm inputs and also the credit aspect of the project should be decoupled from extension services delivered by Ag11C Extension Agents (AEA's) for effective management of the credit facility.