FY2016 ADVANCE Q3 Report

The project began in 2014 and is set to conclude in 2019. ADVANCE operates in the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions of Ghana, where agricultural development is critical to the country's economic growth. The project's primary objective is to increase agricultural productivity and market access for smallholder farmers, with a focus on staple crops such as maize, beans, and rice. To achieve this goal, ADVANCE has established demonstration sites and conducted Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) trainings for farmers. The project has also implemented a farmer mentor program, which pairs experienced farmers with novice farmers to provide guidance and support. In addition to agricultural productivity, ADVANCE is also working to improve market access for smallholder farmers. The project has established market linkages and facilitated trade associations to connect farmers with buyers and processors. ADVANCE has also supported the development of outgrower businesses, which enable farmers to sell their produce to larger buyers. The project has made significant progress in reaching its target beneficiaries. As of the end of the third quarter of FY16, ADVANCE had reached 73,797 smallholder farmers, representing 94.61% of the FY16 target of 78,000. The project has also trained 40,720 individuals in GAPs, numeracy, Farming as a Business, and outgrower business management. ADVANCE has also made progress in its gender and environment components. The project has trained 20,000 women in outgrower business management and has established women's groups to promote women's participation in agricultural development. In terms of environment, ADVANCE has implemented climate-smart agriculture practices and has supported the development of sustainable agricultural technologies. The project has also made significant progress in its grants program, which provides funding to smallholder farmers and outgrower businesses to support their agricultural activities. As of the end of the third quarter of FY16, ADVANCE had disbursed $1.2 million in grants to 1,500 smallholder farmers and outgrower businesses. Overall, ADVANCE has made significant progress in improving agricultural productivity and market access for smallholder farmers in Ghana. The project's focus on gender and environment has also contributed to its success, and its grants program has provided critical support to smallholder farmers and outgrower businesses.