The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has launched a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition in Ghana. With a generous contribution of $9.3 million from KOICA, the project will empower youth in Northern Ghana by providing access to digital technology, fostering resilience in food systems, and improving livelihoods.
Supporting Youth Through Technology and Training
The five-year initiative, spanning from October 2024 to December 2028, will benefit 15,500 Ghanaians. Participants will gain essential digital skills and tools, including mobile technologies, precision farming systems, and digital platforms. These resources will promote the adoption of smart agricultural practices, encourage healthy lifestyles, and mitigate the environmental impact of climate change.
“This new project with WFP represents a shared commitment to empowering youth through digitalization,” said Dong Hyun Lee, KOICA’s Country Director in Ghana. “The Government of the Republic of Korea firmly believes that digitalization holds immense potential to drive lasting, positive change. Through this partnership, we are confident that we will contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the region.”
Tackling Barriers to Food Security
Despite Ghana’s potential for technological innovation, challenges such as limited affordability, accessibility, and low literacy rates—especially in the Savannah Region, where literacy rates are as low as 32.8%—hinder widespread adoption of technology. These barriers exacerbate issues of poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition, with one in four youth not engaged in productive activities.
WFP’s Country Director in Ghana, Aurore Rusiga, emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide: “WFP recognizes the transformative power of digital technologies in addressing poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment. We are committed to ensuring inclusivity in all our initiatives and narrowing the digital divide in Ghana.”
Building Resilience and Advancing SDGs
The project aligns with KOICA’s broader initiatives to drive social change through entrepreneurship and innovation. One notable initiative is the “Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ghana Project,” which leverages technology to empower young people, enhancing their role in economic growth and social transformation.
Through this partnership, KOICA and WFP aim to contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), including zero hunger, reduced inequalities, and sustainable economic growth. The program’s focus on smart agriculture and digital skills training ensures that the youth are equipped to lead Ghana toward a resilient and food-secure future.
Conclusion
This partnership between KOICA and WFP highlights the transformative potential of digitalization in addressing food insecurity and poverty in Ghana. By equipping youth with the tools and knowledge to adopt smart agricultural practices, the project aims to create sustainable livelihoods and improve nutrition across the region.
