BACKGROUND
In Northern Ghana, hundreds of thousands of smallholder farming households face increasing pressure from depleted soils, erratic rainfall, and declining incomes. Women and youth, who make up a significant share of the agricultural workforce, are often the most affected, encountering structural barriers to land access, resources, and stable markets.
Across the country, more than 3.8 million hectares of farmland, nearly 17 per cent of Ghana’s territory, are already degraded, reducing productivity and limiting long-term opportunity. These challenges are not isolated; they reflect broader systemic pressures affecting dryland farming systems across West Africa.
Within this context, indigenous crops such as fonio offer important lessons. Fonio matures quickly, performs well in poor soils, and contributes to diversified, locally adapted food systems. Its resilience highlights the potential of locally rooted solutions to inform broader food system transformation.
Fonio Alliance was established to engage these realities thoughtfully, working with communities and partners to strengthen systems rather than pursue short-term fixes.
VISION
A thriving, equitable, and ecologically resilient food system in West Africa, led by empowered rural communities.
MISSION
To design and support inclusive, climate-resilient food and land systems by advancing agroecological approaches, strengthening local economies, and grounding innovation in indigenous knowledge.
VISION
A thriving, equitable, and ecologically resilient food system in West Africa, led by empowered rural communities.
MISSION
To design and support inclusive, climate-resilient food and land systems by advancing agroecological approaches, strengthening local economies, and grounding innovation in indigenous knowledge.
VALUES
Equity and Inclusion
We prioritize the participation and leadership of women, youth, and marginalized groups across food and land systems.
Community Ownership
We believe sustainable impact is only possible when communities lead the solutions.
Ecological Responsibility
We commit to approaches that restore land, protect biodiversity, and work within ecological limits.
Integrity and Accountability
We uphold strong standards of governance, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility.
Evidenc and Learning
Our interventions are guided by research, data, and continuous learning.
Equity and Inclusion – We prioritize the participation and leadership of women, youth, and marginalized groups across food and land systems.
Community Ownership – We believe sustainable impact is only possible when communities lead the solutions.
Ecological Responsibility – We commit to approaches that restore land, protect biodiversity, and work within ecological limits.
Integrity and Accountability – We uphold strong standards of governance, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility.
Evidenc and Learning – Our interventions are guided by research, data, and continuous learning.
OUR COMMITMENT
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN, SYSTEMS-FOCUSED, ROOTED IN RESILIENCE
Fonio Alliance’s work begins with the people who steward the land. Our approach is shaped through engagement with farmers, community leaders, researchers, and local institutions, ensuring that system design reflects real-world conditions and lived experience.
We blend indigenous knowledge with climate-responsive innovation to support adaptation, land restoration, and resilient food systems. Rather than delivering isolated interventions, we focus on learning-oriented platforms that evolve over time and strengthen local capacity.
Collaboration underpins everything we do. We work across research, policy, implementation, and financing to contribute to food and land systems that are inclusive, adaptable, and built to endure.
Our team
GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP, AND INSTITUTIONAL STEWARDSHIP
Fonio Alliance is guided by a Board of Directors with experience across agriculture, economics, finance, and public policy. The Board provides strategic oversight, governance, and accountability as the organization grows.
Board of directors
Elizabeth Appiyah
Board MemberDirector of Agriculture | Food Science & Quality Management Specialist
A Director of Agriculture at Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Ghana) and a Food Science and Quality Management Specialist with over 20 years of experience. She brings deep expertise in food systems, quality assurance, and inclusive rural development, with a strong focus on strengthening agricultural value chains and advancing opportunities for women within food systems.
Eric Gyebi
Board MemberEconomist & Statistician | Chartered Financial Economist
An Economist and Statistician with over 16 years of experience in data-driven planning, agribusiness development, and inclusive rural finance. He has led national initiatives including the Ghana Census of Agriculture and supported smallholder farmers and youth enterprises to access financing. He brings strong expertise in evidence-based policy, systems analysis, and institutional design to Fonio Alliance.
Richard Murphy Owusu
Board MemberCertified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) | Financial Reporting and Audit Specialist
A Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) with over 11 years of experience in financial reporting, auditing, and internal controls. He has led process improvement initiatives, overseen compliance with international accounting standards, and provided financial oversight for complex transactions. He brings strong expertise in governance, accountability, and strategic financial management to Fonio Alliance.
ExECUTIVE management
Day-to-day operations are coordinated by the Executive Director, working closely with the Board of Directors and partners to guide platform development and organizational growth.
