The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has entered into two strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating innovation, environmental sustainability and economic growth within Ghana’s tree crops sector.
The agreements, signed with Pan-African Business Developers (PABD) and Save Our Lands Projects LBG (SOL), are expected to promote integrated beekeeping systems, restore degraded lands and expand rubber plantation development as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural value chain.
The Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, signed the memoranda of understanding on behalf of the Authority, describing the partnerships as a major step towards building a resilient and sustainable tree crops industry capable of generating jobs and improving livelihoods.
One of the agreements will see TCDA collaborate with PABD to implement the Bees for Income and Nutrition (BEEIN) Project, an initiative designed to integrate beekeeping into tree crop farming systems across the country.
The project is expected to provide farmers with additional income streams through apiculture while improving pollination and boosting crop productivity. It is also intended to support environmentally sustainable farming practices and strengthen rural economic development.
The agreement with PABD was signed by Dr Okrah and the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Kirk Agyekum.
Industry players believe integrating beekeeping into tree crop farming could significantly improve yields while creating alternative sources of revenue for farming communities.
In a separate agreement, TCDA partnered with Save Our Lands Projects LBG to undertake a 10-hectare pilot land reclamation rubber plantation project aimed at restoring degraded lands through sustainable agricultural practices.
The initiative is expected to contribute to increased rubber production, support value addition and create employment opportunities within local communities.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr Okrah and the Executive Director of SOL, Mr Aaron Agyapong.
According to TCDA, the project forms part of efforts to balance agricultural expansion with environmental restoration while supporting national economic growth objectives.
Dr Okrah said the agreements reflected TCDA’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s agricultural landscape through innovation and collaboration.
“These strategic partnerships represent a bold step toward building a more sustainable, innovative, and economically resilient tree crops sector,” he stated.
“Through initiatives such as the BEEIN Project and the land reclamation rubber plantation project, we are creating opportunities for farmers, restoring degraded lands, promoting environmental sustainability, and driving inclusive growth across the value chain,” he added.
He further indicated that the Authority would continue engaging stakeholders and development partners to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s tree crops sector for economic transformation.
The agreements also align with TCDA’s broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s six priority tree crops — cocoa, cashew, shea, mango, rubber and coconut — while positioning the sector as a major contributor to export growth, industrialisation and job creation.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
