In collaboration with the Ghanian Environmental Protection Agency and the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), UNEP and its partner National Technical Institution (NTI) organized a high-level stakeholder workshop in Accra. The purpose was to present the outcomes of the NDC Action Project, with a focus on launching a strategy to boost the market for solar powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Ghana including an investment plan and the concept note for financing. The workshop brought together high-level Government officials and key stakeholders in the climate, energy and agriculture sectors to share and discuss the lessons, best practices, and outcomes derived from the implementation of the NDC Action Project.
Attendees
The workshop was attended by representatives from partner organizations including the German embassy in Ghana, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Energy, the Energy Commission, the Ministry of Finance, CARES/Integration (CTCN/AFCIA Consultant), GIRSAL, Association of Rural Banks (ARB) APEX Bank, Ecobank, Agriculture Development Bank, Peasant Farmers Association Ghana (PFAG), China Geo engineering, FAO, UNDP, UNEP, Federation of Young Farmers, The Brew Hammond Energy Centre and NDC Action project representatives.
The majority of the stakeholders present at the High-level Stakeholder Workshop were part of the policy working group established during the project to provide expert guidance, foster consensus among key stakeholders, and oversee the development and implementation of policies and programs related to SPIS. GIDA is expected to continue to host the policy working group beyond the NDC Action project and implement the recommendations of the SPIS Investment Plan with political support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Focus
The workshop helped sector-relevant participants gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of implementing SPIS projects. By reflecting on lessons learned, real-world examples and expert insights shared during the workshop, stakeholders will be better equipped to apply these strategies in their respective contexts.
The workshop also focused on the investment plan developed by RCEES to provide stakeholders with concrete steps that can be taken to scale up SPIS. The investment plan is expected to help Ghana raise over USD3.2billion to implement and achieve full scale adoption by 2060 with an annual investment of at least USD15million.
Outcomes
The main outcome of the workshop was the development of clear and practical recommendations that will guide future policy and program development. These recommendations stem from the discussions, case studies, and expert presentations grounded in the realities of SPIS implementation.
The workshop generated strong support and buy-in from key stakeholders, including government bodies, financial institutions, and private sector partners, for the proposed investment plan for SPIS in Ghana. This is evidenced by a clear commitment from participating stakeholders to take initial steps toward the adoption and implementation of the investment plan, where GIDA will lead the process going forward.
Finally, it is expected that the renewed commitment from stakeholders will continue the implementation and scaling up of climate-smart agriculture practices, particularly SPIS, beyond the life of the current project. This may include securing further technical assistance or financial support to scale the technology and implement the other recommendations. The insights gained will also help Ghana’s NDC 2.0 stock take, inform the development of NDC 3.0 process, other future initiatives and consequently contribute to the scaling up of SPIS in Ghana.
