The Masara N’Arziki Farmers Association
Masara N’Arziki (meaning “Maize for Prosperity”) is headquartered in Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana and cover the entire Northern part of Ghana (i.e Nortern Region, Upper East and Upper West Regions and parts of Brong-Ahafo Region). Masara N’arziki Farmers Association (MAFA) is the culmination of Industrial Maize Program initiated in 2005 by Wienco (Ghana) Limited.
Despite increased maize production over the years, Ghana has a maize supply deficit, and makes up for the shortage through imports. But the establishment of MAFA is an indication of Ghana’s potential in maize production in Ghana.
VISION
To support maize farmers do what they are doing much better, and receive more income through the use of improved technology that increase productivity of their farms
The program package consists of the provision of fertilizers, hybrid seeds, herbicides, insecticides, spaying equipment, innovative farm implements and technical advisory and training services to farmers on credit.
COMPONENTS
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Smallholder Farmer Development.
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good agricultural practices.
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good land use and management practices.
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group cohesion and dynamics.
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rural based program.
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increase in yield.
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farming as a business to increase profit.
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access to good market.
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Key Benefits to Farmer.
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availability of quality inputs and timely delivery to the farmer.
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solution of farmer constraints.
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technical support and business management training for the farmers.
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provision of post harvesting machinery and equipment at farm gate level.
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community storage facilities.
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assured market for all the grain produced.
Current Staffing
Vision 2010
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To increase management by 5
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To increase Agronomist/Extension Agents/Technical by 12
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To increase others supporting staff by 5
PROGRAM COVERAGE
During the launch of the Masara N’Arziki Farmers Association (MAFA) in 2009, 2,200 farmers were registered to do the program.The program currently covers four (4) regions of Ghana namely Brong -Ahafo, Northern and Upper West and Upper East Regions.
Planting for the year 2009 amounted to 10,401acres for more than 2,500 farmers.
LOCAL FOUNDING PARTNER
Yara Ghana Ltd.
Wienco Ghana Ltd.
THE FUTURE OF MAFA
By the next 5 years Yara and Wienco hopes to support MAFA to improve the supply 200,000MT of locally produced maize to about 50, 000 farmers, mainly for industrial use. They will benefit from new equipment, warehousing facilities and, most importantly, all necessary inputs on credit and repaid after harvest.
Produce:
The program would regularly have quality maize grain for sale to interested buyers.
Contact:
Masara N’Arziki
Post Office Box 724
Tamale
Mobile: (233) 26 4640073 – 0264640074
Tel: (233) +71 23625
Tel & Fax: (233) +71 23174