PFAG calls for affordable irrigation, mechanisation to support smallholder farmers

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called on the government and development partners to invest in affordable irrigation systems and mechanisation services to help smallholder farmers tackle climate change and improve agricultural productivity.

The Association said farmers across the country continue to face challenges, including erratic rainfall, limited access to modern farming equipment, post-harvest losses and inadequate market access.

GH¢253 million for Pwalugu irrigation development woefully inadequate - PFAG

In a press release issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, to mark World Food Day, PFAG stressed the need for practical and affordable agricultural innovations that respond to the realities of farmers.

The statement, issued under the theme “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow,” indicated that agricultural innovation must extend beyond advanced technology to include accessible solutions that build on farmers’ existing knowledge.

The Executive Director of PFAG, Bismark Nortey, said: “Improved seeds, irrigation, climate information, digital extension, soil-health practices, agroecology, storage and local processing can strengthen productivity and resilience.”

However, he, cautioned that such interventions would have limited impact without affordable access and reliable markets.

“But these innovations will have limited impact unless farmers can access and use them affordably and connect their produce to ready markets,” he added.

PFAG cited prolonged dry spells and unpredictable rainfall in the Kassena area of the Upper East Region as threats to crop establishment, yields and household food security.

It also highlighted the difficulties faced by tomato farmers in parts of the Volta Region and Ada, where increased production does not always translate into higher incomes because of inadequate storage facilities, processing capacity and reliable buyers.

The Association further identified limited access to tractors, planters, harvesters and threshers as a major constraint, particularly for women and young farmers.

It called for increased investment in water management, drought-tolerant seeds, climate information services, storage infrastructure and structured markets that connect farmers to reliable buyers.

PFAG also urged policymakers and development partners to involve farmer organisations in designing and implementing agricultural programmes to ensure interventions reflect local conditions.

“Building a food-secure Ghana requires coordinated action by farmers, government, researchers, businesses, development partners and consumers,” Nortey said.

The Association encouraged consumers to support local agriculture by choosing locally produced food and reducing food waste.

PFAG, established in 2005, advocates agricultural and trade policies aimed at improving the livelihoods, productivity and resilience of smallholder farmers in Ghana.

Read the statement below

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