Farmerline has announced a support package for rice farmers in the Weta and Avalavi enclaves within the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region. This initiative follows two rounds of severe flooding in late June 2026, which destroyed rice plantations and infrastructure at the Weta Irrigation Scheme, causing provisional losses estimated at GHS 27.1 million.
The floods submerged 1,000 hectares of rice, with 809 hectares belonging to the scheme's own plots. This disaster affected 1,024 farmers and out-growers, impacting approximately 5,000 people who rely on the scheme for their livelihoods. Crop loss accounted for GHS 26.4 million of the total damage, while infrastructure damage reached GHS 723,000.
This significant agricultural setback in the Volta Region highlights Ghana's vulnerability to climate-related events, particularly in its key food-producing areas. The destruction of crops nearing harvest exacerbates food security concerns and impacts the local economy, which is heavily dependent on agricultural output. Such events often lead to increased food prices and reduced income for rural communities.
Delali Kumah, Head of Logistics at Farmerline, stated that the organization acted swiftly due to its long-standing partnership with farmers in the region. "We benefit from them, they benefit from us, and we all benefit from the partnership," he explained, emphasizing the mutual relationship. He added that the support aims to aid recovery and prepare for future planting seasons.
The relief package from Farmerline includes 20 micro-threshers and a 50% reduction in ploughing and combine harvesting fees. Farmerline is also contributing GHS 20,000 towards rehabilitating the access road to the dam site, though the total repair cost for the road is estimated at GHS 100,000. This targeted assistance seeks to mitigate immediate losses and support long-term recovery efforts.
Beyond the immediate relief, Farmerline plans to expand its efforts by introducing farm intelligence tools, mechanisation, and post-harvest handling support. Mr. Kumah also proposed a hydrological study of the catchment area, an upgraded emergency spillway, and a standing flood response and farmer insurance framework. These measures are crucial for building resilience against future natural disasters.
Gideon Kokoroko, representing the youth on the scheme, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention. "We had lost hope and didn’t know what to do when the floods took over our farms," he said. He noted that the donation provides a crucial lifeline for the affected communities. This support is vital for restoring morale and economic stability in the area.
The Weta Irrigation Scheme's infrastructure suffered extensive damage, with the dam embankment eroded and scoured, creating ongoing breach risks. Canals and drains are silted and submerged, along with their control structures. The pumping station and its field channels are also submerged, and the spillway dike is broken, making road networks impassable.
Farmerline, founded in Kumasi in 2013, works with over 2.3 million farmers across Africa and manages more than three million acres. Its Mergdata platform is used by partners in 50 countries, demonstrating its significant reach and expertise in agricultural technology. The company's intervention is a critical step in helping the Volta Region's agricultural sector recover from this severe natural disaster.