Akufo-Addo outlines vision for climate-resilient agriculture at Farmers' Day Celebration

During the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration on Friday, 8th November 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized the critical need to build climate-resilient agriculture in Ghana, stressing that climate change poses an imminent threat to food security and agricultural productivity.

Under the theme “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” the President outlined his administration’s proactive approach to address the effects of erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures on Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a pressing reality that our farmers confront every day,” President Akufo-Addo declared. He highlighted the vulnerability of Ghana’s agriculture to climate extremes, noting that these changes directly impact not only food production but also the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.

Given the urgency of the situation, the President asserted that Ghana’s agricultural sector could not afford to wait for the crisis to worsen. “We must adopt proactive and innovative approaches to equip our farmers with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to build resilience,” he stated.

Central to the government’s strategy for climate-resilient agriculture is the second phase of the Programme for Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0), launched in August 2023. This initiative, designed to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions, includes comprehensive measures aimed at securing Ghana’s food supply for future generations.

According to the President, one of the most critical components of climate-resilient agriculture is the availability of accurate, timely information. To this end, the government has introduced the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP), a digital tool that provides farmers with real-time updates on weather patterns, pest and disease surveillance, and food security trends.

“This platform is more than just a tool; it is a lifeline for our farmers,” Akufo-Addo said, emphasizing the importance of empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions to reduce crop loss and manage risks.

In addition to information access, water management plays a vital role in building climate-resilient agriculture. Recognizing the limitations of rain-fed agriculture, particularly during prolonged dry spells, the government has made substantial investments in irrigation infrastructure under PFJ 2.0.

This includes the development of irrigation facilities across the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions, covering a total area of 4,870 hectares. These irrigation projects enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, reducing their dependency on seasonal rainfall and stabilizing food production even in adverse weather conditions.

To further enhance water management, President Akufo-Addo announced the construction of 232 solar-powered boreholes, which will irrigate an additional 3,144 hectares of farmland. By harnessing solar energy, these boreholes offer a sustainable, eco-friendly water source that allows farmers to grow crops year-round, bolstering food security and enabling crop diversification. “This project not only strengthens our food supply but also provides our farmers with the opportunity to diversify and stabilize their incomes,” he added.

The government has also prioritized soil health, recognizing that nutrient-rich soil is essential for productive agriculture, especially under climate stress. The President outlined soil management programs that promote organic practices, soil testing, and sustainable fertilization methods.

By encouraging practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic amendments, these programs aim to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, enhance soil resilience, and allow crops to better withstand adverse weather conditions. “Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture, and we are determined to protect it,” he affirmed.

In response to the unpredictable climate, Ghana has also invested in developing and distributing climate-resilient crop varieties. Through partnerships with agricultural research institutions, the government is promoting drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties, including high-yield maize, cassava, and sorghum strains, as well as pest-resistant vegetables.

These climate-resilient varieties are intended to help farmers maintain productivity even as environmental conditions shift. “By making these crop varieties accessible, we are equipping farmers with the tools they need to continue thriving despite climate uncertainties,” President Akufo-Addo noted.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is another key aspect of the government’s climate-resilience strategy. With changing weather patterns increasing the prevalence of pests and diseases, the government has introduced IPM practices that reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

This approach combines biological, cultural, and mechanical controls, allowing farmers to manage pest populations while preserving ecosystem health. The government is also providing training on using natural predators, crop rotation, and physical barriers as sustainable pest control methods, which reduces dependency on chemical pesticides.

Beyond physical measures, the President emphasized the importance of community resilience and capacity building. Through various training programs, the government is equipping farmers with climate-smart agricultural techniques to adapt their planting schedules, manage water resources, and practice conservation. “Climate resilience goes beyond infrastructure; it requires knowledge and skills,” he stated. The programs aim to create a network of climate-resilient farmers capable of tackling climate-related challenges collectively.

Additionally, agroforestry and reforestation efforts form part of Ghana’s broader climate-resilience strategy. Agroforestry, which integrates trees into farming landscapes, reduces soil erosion, improves soil fertility, and provides shade for crops.

The Planting for Exports and Rural Development (PERD) module under PFJ 1.0 has supported the planting of tree crops such as cashew, rubber, and oil palm, contributing to both the economy and environmental stability. “Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and helping us combat climate change,” Akufo-Addo explained.

Finally, the government has invested in post-harvest infrastructure to address the risk of crop spoilage due to climate fluctuations. This includes the construction of aggregation centers and packhouses, providing farmers with climate-controlled storage facilities.

Additionally, the establishment of a 6,000-metric-ton silo in Hwehwee aims to store staple crops, ensuring that food remains available during off-seasons. “These facilities reduce post-harvest losses and protect farmers from unpredictable climate conditions,” the President remarked.

President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, declaring that building climate resilience is a continuous effort necessary to safeguard the nation’s food security.

“By investing in water management, soil health, climate-resilient crops, and infrastructure, we are positioning Ghana as a model of climate-smart agriculture on the continent,” he stated.

As Ghana navigates the challenges of climate change, the government’s initiatives aim to create an agricultural sector that not only endures but thrives, supporting the livelihoods of millions and ensuring a sustainable future.

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