VSLA Vegetable Farmers in Goyiri Thrive Eight Years On, Appeal for Market Access and Dam Rehabilitation

Eight years after its establishment, the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) vegetable farming project in Goyiri, in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region, continues to thrive, improving livelihoods and strengthening food security. However, farmers are appealing for support to address challenges related to market access and water supply.

The project was launched in 2018 by the Jaksally Development Organization (JDO) in partnership with the Market Opportunity Access Programme (MOAP). Three VSLA groups each received an initial capital injection of GH¢25,000 to support vegetable production.

The initiative has recorded remarkable success. After the first savings and share-out cycle, each group doubled its capital to GH¢50,000, bringing the combined savings of the three groups to GH¢150,000.

Speaking during a visit to the farms in 2026, the Executive Director of the Jaksally Development Organization, Mr. Seidu Jeremiah, described the project as a clear demonstration of the sustainability of the VSLA model.

He said the continued growth of the project reflects the commitment of the farmers and the effectiveness of the support provided over the years.

Mr. Jeremiah also disclosed that Wellington boots donated by the President through the Ghana Export Promotion Council during last year’s World Shea Expo had been distributed to support the farmers in their activities.

Despite the project’s success, he identified market access and inadequate water supply as the two major obstacles confronting the vegetable groups.

According to him, the organization is working to connect the farmers with hotels in Wa and other institutions to provide reliable markets for their fresh organic produce.

He further explained that the existing dam only retains enough water for about six months, making year-round vegetable production impossible.

Mr. Jeremiah therefore appealed to development partners, investors and government agencies to support the rehabilitation and expansion of the dam to ensure continuous production throughout the year.

He also invited individuals, businesses and institutions interested in purchasing fresh organic vegetables to partner with the VSLA groups.

 

One of the beneficiary farmers, Mr. Nuhu Braimah, expressed appreciation to the Jaksally Development Organization for introducing the project to the community.

He admitted that many community members initially doubted the programme but later realized its economic benefits after participating in it.

Mr. Braimah appealed for additional support, including farming machinery, irrigation equipment, water pumps and the rehabilitation of the community dam.

He explained that the limited water supply has forced farmers to abandon portions of their farmland, reducing production and income.

 

The farmers believe that with improved irrigation facilities and stronger market linkages, the Goyiri VSLA vegetable project has the potential to significantly increase production, create more jobs and contribute to food security in the Savannah Region.

 

Source: ghanawatchonline.com/Salifu Adam Jabu