The World Farmers Markets Coalition is currently in Ghana for an ongoing mission under the AREA Africa initiative, focused on supporting the development of farmers markets and strengthening local food systems through collaboration with institutions, farmers’ organizations, and communities.
Launching the Mission in Accra
The mission began on 17 April 2026 in Accra, with a delegation composed of WorldFMC President Richard McCarthy, Director General Carmelo Troccoli, and AREA Africa Coordinator Viola Capriola. The team was joined by AREA Africa programme coordinator Enrico Azzone and AREA Africa Ghana Project Manager Alessandro Lorato (both from CIHEAM Bari), and welcomed by WorldFMC co-founder and board member Dr. Selorm Akaba in his home country, Ghana.
Institutional Dialogue and Strategic Alignment
The opening meeting took place at the Italian Embassy with Ambassador Laura Ranalli, where the AREA Africa initiative and its objectives were presented, setting the foundation for a week of strategic dialogue.
High-level discussions with Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, highlighted the importance of farmers markets as “the right project at the right moment to reposition farmers in the value chain.” The conversation reflected a shared ambition to increase value creation for farmers and strengthen their role within the agricultural system.
Further exchanges with Bright Kwadzo Demordzi, Director of the Ghana Food Programme, brought attention to key implementation priorities, including the selection of market locations and the challenge of transportation for farmers with limited logistics access, critical factors for ensuring inclusive market development.
Engaging Farmers Organizations
The delegation also met with the Feed Ghana Programme and the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), led by Executive Director Bismarck Nortey. Discussions focused on balancing farmers livelihoods, consumer access, and fair pricing, as well as the broader transition from commodity-driven agriculture toward more diversified and resilient farming systems.
From Policy to Practice in Cape Coast
The mission continued in Cape Coast, where engagement shifted from institutional dialogue to field-level experience. The team met with local authorities, the University of Cape Coast, and a wide range of stakeholders, while also taking part in a live interview on the Central Morning Show of UCC Radio – Atlantic Radio. The broadcast introduced the work of the World Farmers Markets Coalition, the AREA Africa programme, the AREA Africa Ghana project and the objectives of the mission to a wider public audience.
Farmers, Innovation, and Local Food Systems
Field visits provided direct insight into emerging agricultural models. In Empiro, the delegation met pioneering farms such as Copps and Amoppa Farm, which are developing alternative marketing channels through local sales, university-linked markets, and fair-trade exports, including pineapple shipments to the United Kingdom.
At Rise & Build Farm, the team experienced a strong example of farm-to-community connection, sharing a locally sourced meal featuring cowpeas, coco yam, cassava, plantain, catfish, and other traditional products, highlighting the cultural and social value embedded in food systems.
Youth, Education, and the Future of Farming
At the University of Cape Coast, discussions with faculty and students showcased innovative agricultural learning models. Students actively cultivate land and generate income through campus farm shops and local farmers markets, demonstrating how education and practice are shaping a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
An Ongoing Mission
The mission is still ongoing, with continued engagement across Ghana. These exchanges are helping to identify challenges, explore opportunities, and co-develop pathways for strengthening farmers markets as tools for inclusive and sustainable food systems.
