WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Connecting Ghanaian farmers to local markets will go a long way toward addressing poverty concerns in the nation, a World Food Program official said.
The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corp. and the U.N. World Food Program signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on food security efforts in Ghana.
Daniel Yohannes, the MCC's top executive, said reducing poverty through economic growth requires a partnership with agencies committed to helping vulnerable communities.
"MCC finds such a friend and partner in the World Food Program, which is pursuing innovation and results in advancing food security around the world," Yohannes said in a statement.
The memorandum builds on a 2008 agreement to expand food availability. MCC under the agreement will also help build post-harvest facilities for farmers sell and store crops.
"Connecting small farmers to markets helps transform local economies and can transform nations," said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran in a statement.
Both aid organizations said they would continue their work on Ghana while examining similar programs in Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Mali and Senegal.