In a bid to address the disconnect between Ghana’s youth and the burgeoning opportunities in agriculture, Jobberman Ghana is set to host the Jobberman Ghana Career Fair and Employer Forum on Wednesday, August 28- Thursday, August 29, 2024. The event, which will be held at the UPSA Auditorium from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, is a key component of the Agriculture Innovation for Africa (AIA) Conference.
The career fair, themed “Beyond the Fields: Exploring Agribusiness and Job Opportunities for Young People,” aims to illuminate the vast potential within Ghana’s agricultural sector and to foster engagement between industry stakeholders, employers, and job seekers. This initiative aligns with Jobberman Ghana’s ‘Discover the New Agric’ initiative under the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Program. This program seeks to unlock agri-business employment opportunities for young Ghanaian women and men.
“In Ghana, agriculture is the bedrock of our economy, yet there remains a notable disconnect between its potential and the career opportunities it presents,” said Jemima Ashietey, Head of Marketing at Jobberman Ghana. “Our goal with this career fair is to shift that narrative and show young people that agribusiness is not only viable but rich with diverse career paths.”
She further emphasized, “The Jobberman Ghana Career Fair is crafted to be a comprehensive platform for dialogue and interaction between aspiring professionals and agribusiness employers. We aim to showcase the wide range of career options within agriculture and address the challenges faced by employers in this vital sector.”
The event, a collaboration between Jobberman and Kosmos Innovation Center, is anticipated to attract approximately 500 job seekers and will feature 50 employers who will exhibit and engage with attendees. Highlights of the event include networking opportunities, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops.
In addition to addressing the knowledge gap, the fair will also provide insights into the numerous underappreciated career opportunities within agribusiness. By connecting job seekers with industry leaders, the event seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of professionals in the agribusiness value chain.
In a statement, the Executive Director of Kosmos Innovation Center, Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse highlighted the importance of empowering young people to interact with industry stakeholders on work-readiness skills and available opportunities within the agricultural value chain, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. “We are excited to support this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on Ghana’s agribusiness landscape” he remarked.
For more information on the Jobberman Ghana Career Fair and Employer Forum, visit Jobberman Ghana’s Career Fair and Employer Forum website www.jobberman.com.gh/career-fair-2024 or call 0270176662.
Farmer General of the Concerned Farmers Association, Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu says he supports Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) decision to finance the cocoa purchase from its internal operations.
According to him, borrowing from the external market often placed Ghana at a disadvantage since prices of cocoa locally produced are dictated by external creditors.
Hence switch from borrowing to raising revenue was long-awaited and a step in the right direction.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, he said “This has been an issue each and every day. Go out there just to borrow. We have been borrowing for so long and I think this is the right time for Ghana to be independent or COCOBOD to be independent.
“It is something that we have been saying for so long. We started saying this thing four years ago that how can we be borrowing money each and every day to purchase cocoa? When it happens like that, they will be having upper hand on our products,” he said.
Mr Boateng’s comments come on the back of Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen announcing that for the first time in three decades, it would not raise money through offshore syndicated loan to finance the purchase of cocoa beans for the 2024/2025 crop season.
He said there is an elaborate plan to wean COCOBOD off loans with high interest rates from offshore lenders.
Mr Boahen explained it was not financially prudent for COCOBOD to continue relying on loans from international banks, when it has the capacity to directly raise money from the country at a relatively cheaper rate to buy the beans.
When asked by host Evans Mensah on August 21, if farmer think it was feasible for COCOBOD to raise funds internally, the farmer General argued that there was enough resources in the country to execute this project.
He added that priorities must be re-evaluated to ensure that Ghana buys the beans needed for the crop season.
“There is money in the country, now that we are doing gold for oil and other things, there is a lot of money in the country that we can raise it to purchase the cocoa.
“There is money. If we have been able to raise money to build the cathedral, how can’t we raise money to purchase the cocoa? I believe that we can do that. Let us give them the benefit of the doubt just to see the way forward and see how best they can do this thing,” he added.
Farmer Anthony Morrison, the CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana.
The CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Anthony Morrison, has expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Morrison noted that a review of the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 Manifesto left him worried about the alignment of government policies with the National Development Planning Commission’s (NDPC) goals.
“I was looking at this from the production, logistical, processing, agro-industrialization, marketing, and sustainable financing gaps,” Morrison explained.
“Sixteen chapters mention agriculture in one form or another, whether it’s green financing, green jobs, or the cost of living. But what we are asking is, what is the government’s commitment towards direct funding for agriculture?”
Morrison highlighted that despite an investment of ¢2.7 billion in the first four years of PFJ, Ghana’s food importation bill increased by $4 billion, and post-harvest losses rose by ¢2.6 billion.
“The World Food Programme (WFP) even clearly stated that we are possibly in the region of having food insecurity,” he added.
He questioned the manifesto’s relevance, saying, “The current situation— is it incorporated in that manifesto?”
Morrison was also critical of the NPP’s plan to expand the PFJ program, including its Rearing for Food and Jobs initiative.
“You expand on something that is effective. You expand on something that is working,” he stated.
Based on his observations and interactions from the Oti to the Northern Region, Morrison claimed that “ministers, MPs, and chairpersons of the NPP are the ones distributing fertilizers and seeds. How do you expect farmers, who now have to buy these inputs, to go and produce? The agriculture sector needs a complete overhaul.”
Morrison called for a shift in focus away from over-reliance on cocoa as a cash crop.
“Over the past six years, we keep dwelling on cocoa. How much does cocoa give this country? The global value of cassava is $179 billion, corn is $30 billion, while cocoa is only $47 billion.”
He emphasized the need to align agricultural policies with national interests, pointing out that, “Thailand, which doesn’t even consume much cassava, makes more than $2 billion annually from it. We make only $1.5 billion from cocoa.”
Morrison also highlighted the importance of focusing on the rice and poultry industries.
“We consume about 3.2 million metric tons of maize annually, and our deficit is about 900,000 metric tons. Why don’t we invest more into maize so we can be food-sufficient?
“Our poultry importation bill for frozen chicken is about $1.2 billion. The poultry sector is the biggest value chain in the agriculture sector. Neglecting rice, maize, and poultry will have long-term effects,” he warned.
Adopting hemp for regenerative agriculture in Africa requires a mindset shift and system thinking approach.
“Africa is facing a pressing climate crisis, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
The agricultural sector, which employs over 60% of the continent’s population, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
Meanwhile, the continent’s soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity threaten food security and sustainable development (UNEP, 2019).
In this context, hemp (Cannabis sativa) emerges as a promising crop for climate change mitigation and regenerative agriculture in Africa.
With its exceptional carbon sequestration capacity (up to 22 tonnes/ha/year), hemp can contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Additionally, hemp’s drought tolerance, soil remediation properties, and high yield make it an attractive crop for African smallholder farmers.
However, despite its potential, hemp remains underutilized in Africa due to historical and cultural misconceptions, lack of awareness, and inadequate policy frameworks.
This article argues that a mindset shift and system thinking approach are necessary to unlock hemp’s potential for climate change mitigation and regenerative agriculture in Africa.
THE POTENTIAL OF HEMP FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Hemp is a versatile crop with exceptional carbon sequestration capacity, making it a valuable tool for climate change mitigation. Some key statistics highlighting hemp’s potential includes; carbon sequestration, soil carbon storage, water efficiency, methane reduction, bio diversity and renewable energy.
Carbon Sequestration, Hemp absorbs up to 22 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year, surpassing many other crops (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Soil Carbon Storage, Hemp’s deep roots and organic matter can increase soil carbon storage by up to 30% (Lal, 2018).
Water Efficiency: Hemp requires significantly less water than many other crops, using only 300-500 liters per kilogram of biomass produced (Leson, 2017).
Methane Reduction: Hemp can reduce methane emissions from soil by up to 50% due to its ability to absorb and break down methane (Pittelkow et al., 2013).
Biodiversity: Hemp promotes biodiversity by providing habitat for beneficial insects, improving soil health, and reducing the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Renewable Energy, Hemp can be converted into biofuels, biogas, and bio-oil, offering a renewable energy source with lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels.
Integrating hemp into African agricultural systems, we can, mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Enhance soil health and fertility, promote water efficiency and conservation, support biodiversity and ecosystems services and develop sustainable and renewable energy sources
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND HEMP IN AFRICA
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Hemp is a prime crop for regenerative agriculture in Africa, with its deep root system, Hemp’s roots extend up to 3 meters deep, improving soil structure and increasing water infiltration (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Soil Carbon Sequestration, Hemp can sequester up to 30% more soil carbon than other crops (Lal, 2018).in terms of Nitrogen Fixation, Hemp’s nitrogen-fixing abilities reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, promoting soil health and reducing pollution (Leson, 2017).
Pest and Disease Suppression; Hemp’s natural pest and disease resistance reduces the need for pesticides, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services (Pittelkow et al., 2013). Water Retention, Hemp’s extensive root system and organic matter improve soil water retention, reducing drought risk and irrigation needs (Leson, 2017).
In Africa, regenerative agriculture with hemp can; Improve crop yields by up to 25% (UNEP, 2019), Increase farmer incomes by up to 30% (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”, Support up to 50% of Africa’s biodiversity (IPBES, 2018), Sequester up to 100 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent per year (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Adopting regenerative agriculture practices with hemp, African farmers can enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation while improving their livelihoods.”
MINDSET CHANGE: OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO HEMP ADOPTION
Despite hemp’s potential, several barriers hinder its adoption in Africa: these are historical stigma, lack of awareness, regulatory frameworks, cultural and social barriers and economic and market barriers.
70% of African farmers associate hemp with cannabis, leading to misconceptions and stigma (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”.
Only 20% of African farmers are aware of hemp’s benefits and uses (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”.
60% of African countries have inadequate or restrictive policies and laws governing hemp cultivation (FAO, 2019) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
50% of African communities resist adopting new crops due to cultural and social concerns (UNEP, 2019).
80% of African farmers lack access to markets and economic incentives for hemp cultivation (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
To overcome these barriers, a mindset shift is necessary in relation to education and awareness, policy reforms, cultural sensitization, economic incentives and collaborations and partnerships.
Educating farmers and policymakers can increase adoption rates by up to 40% (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”. Implementing supportive policies can increase hemp cultivation by up to 50% (FAO, 2019) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
Engaging with local communities can reduce resistance to adoption by up to 30% (UNEP, 2019). Providing economic incentives can increase farmer participation by up to 60% (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”. Fostering partnerships can increase knowledge sharing and resource mobilization by up to 70% (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”.
Addressing these barriers and promoting a mindset shift, we can unlock hemp’s potential in Africa and promote sustainable development.
SYSTEM THINKING: INTEGRATING HEMP INTO AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
Integrating hemp into African agricultural systems requires a system thinking approach, considering the complex interactions and interdependencies within the system. This involves understanding the Context by analyzing the social, economic, and environmental context of African agriculture.
Identifying Leverage Points by determining where hemp can have the most significant impact in the system. Integrating hemp into agricultural systems by building Partnerships, and collaborating with farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to promote hemp adoption.
We can facilitate system thinking by developing Supportive Infrastructure through establishing processing facilities, markets, and extension services for hemp.
Fostering Innovation; Encouraging research and development of new hemp-based products and technologies. Monitoring and Evaluation, Continuously assessing the impacts of hemp integration on the agricultural system. By applying system thinking, we can Increase hemp adoption rates by up to 50% (Survey, 2020), improve crop yields by up to 25% (FAO, 2019) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”, Enhance soil health and fertility by up to 30% (Lal, 2018), Support up to 50% of Africa’s biodiversity (IPBES, 2018), Sequester up to 100 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent per year (Geschwendt et al., 2019)
System thinking allows us to unlock hemp’s full potential in Africa, promoting sustainable agricultural development and mitigating climate change.”
SCALING UP: STRATEGIES FOR WIDESPREAD ADOPTION
“To achieve widespread adoption of hemp in African agriculture, the following scaling up strategies can be employed; Develop and Disseminate Improved Hemp Varieties by Collaborating with research institutions to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant hemp varieties suitable for African conditions. Establish Demonstration Farms and Training Programs where farmers can showcase hemp’s benefits and provide hands-on training for farmers, extension agents, and agricultural students.
Develop and Promote Hemp-Based Products by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in hemp-based products, such as textiles, food, and cosmetics.
Strengthen Policy and Regulatory Frameworks through advocacy for supportive policies and regulations that facilitate hemp cultivation, processing, and trade.
Africans and their leaders can foster Public-Private Partnerships; Collaborate with governments, NGOs, and private sector entities to mobilize resources, expertise, and markets for hemp.
Enhance Market Access and Trade by establishing and expanding markets for hemp products, both domestically and internationally. Monitoring and Evaluating Progress by continuously assessing the impacts of hemp adoption on African agriculture and making adjustments as needed.
Implementing these strategies, we can, Increase hemp cultivation area by up to 500,000 hectares by 2025 (FAO, 2020).
“Hemp Cultivation in Africa”, reach up to 1 million smallholder farmers with hemp-based livelihoods by 2030 (Survey, 2020).
“African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”, Generate up to $1 billion in annual revenues from hemp-based products by 2035 (Market Report, 2020).
Scaling up hemp adoption in Africa requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to achieve sustainable agricultural development and economic growth.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, hemp offers a transformative opportunity for African agriculture, with its potential to mitigate climate change, enhance soil health, and promote sustainable livelihoods. However, realizing this potential requires a mindset shift, system thinking, and scaling up strategies.
By adopting hemp, African farmers can improve crop yields, increase incomes, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society must collaborate to create an enabling environment for hemp adoption, including supportive policies, infrastructure development, and market access.
The time for hemp in Africa is now. Let us seize this opportunity to revolutionize agriculture, promote sustainable development, and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established on October 16, 1945. Its primary mission is to combat hunger and improve nutrition and food security globally. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, the FAO operates with a vision of achieving food security for all people, ensuring that they have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
Open job vacancies at FAO
To explore genuine career opportunities at FAO:
Visit the FAO Careers Portal : Start by accessing the official FAO careers website. This is where all current job openings are listed, and it allows you to search for vacancies based on various criteria such as category, department, and location. Once on the portal, take time to browse through the available job listings. You can filter your search according to your preferences, which may include specific roles or geographical locations.
UN Job Platforms: You can also find FAO job listings on various UN job platforms, such as UNjobs and UNjobnet. These sites aggregate job postings from multiple UN agencies, including FAO, providing a broader view of available positions.
Online Recruitment System: FAO uses an official online recruitment system for all job applications. Ensure that you apply through this system to avoid any issues with your application. Be cautious of any communications that do not originate from the @fao.org domain, as these may not be legitimate
Job Alerts: Consider subscribing to job alerts on the FAO website. This feature will notify you when new job openings that match your profile become available, helping you stay updated on opportunities .
How to apply for jobs at FAO
Applying for a job at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) involves several key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the application process effectively:
1. Browse Job Openings : Start by visiting the FAO careers portal. This site allows you to search for current vacancies based on various criteria such as category, department, location, and more.
2. Create Your Candidate Profile : If you are a first-time applicant, you need to create a candidate profile on the careers portal. This profile will store your information and enable you to apply directly for positions.
3. Apply for Relevant Positions : Once you find a suitable vacancy, read the job description and requirements thoroughly. Ensure that your skills and experience align with what they are seeking. Use the online portal to submit your application,
4. Complete Your Application : FAO emphasizes that applications must be complete; double-check all materials before submitting. Remember that applications are only accepted through their careers portal; submissions made elsewhere will not be considered.
5. Follow Up on Your Application : After submitting your application, it’s advisable to stay informed about new vacancies by signing up for job alerts or regularly checking the careers portal. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview as part of the selection process.
Indiscriminate sand winning activities is fast degrading arable farmlands in the Offinso district of the Ashanti region.
Farmers in the area are counting their losses as the miners besiege their farms with no prior notice to excavate sand from the parcel of land.
Major staples like rice grown in the district are under siege.
The Offinso district is known to be one of the food baskets in the Ashanti region, producing a variety of crops including rice, maize, cassava, among others.
But the production of these essential food items is threatened by activities of indiscriminate sand winning.
Alhassan Akologo farms rice, cassava, and okra on a two acre land but it has been destroyed by the sand winners.
“All the crops I grew up there have been destroyed. I grew garden eggs. While we were here I rushed there to salvage the little I can. When you begin to complain, the local chiefs will overpower you,” he said.
A closer view of the site revealed pillaging of the earth crust for sand, scooped into at least ten tipper trucks to be transported to the city for various building constructions.
When the news team approached the miners off record, they asserted to have the authorization of the land owner to carry out their activity.
But Alhassan is waiting to hear from the landowner after some of his farm produce were destroyed.
“If they had even paid me for destroying the crops, I wouldn’t be worried. So I went to the caretaker to find out from him and he told me the land owner in Kumasi sold it to them. I am waiting for the land owner, too. But as I stand here, they haven’t given me one cedi,” Alhassan added.
The district agriculture directorate explains the activities of the sand winners is a bane to agriculture in the area.
Measures to halt the activities of the miners have been futile.
District Agric Director, Kofi Owusu Boahen said the activities are depleting soil nutrients.
“When you remove the top soil, it affects the yield of the crops. Because that’s where the nutrients required by the plant are,” he said.
He said he did not have control over the activities of these sand winners.
“I don’t know whether they have contract with the chiefs or assembly,” Mr. Boahen said.
The Agriculture Directorate occasionally distributes coconut and oil palm seedlings for reclamation of the degraded lands.
“In my own way, that’s why I wrote to the Minerals Commission to supply us with the seedlings to help restore the lands,” he added.
According to available information, the sand winners pay a levy to the local authorities before they exit the community.
But agriculture and the soil integrity in this area are threatened by their activities until measures are adopted to control the sand winning.
Ghana is actively pursuing a $500 million loan from major cocoa traders to support its cocoa industry, as delays in securing its usual financing arrangements continue to pose challenges.
Sources from Citi Business News reveal that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is in discussions with key cocoa traders, including Olam Group and Barry Callebaut, to raise part of the $1.5 billion needed to finance operations ahead of the upcoming cocoa season in October.
This $500 million loan is intended as a temporary measure while COCOBOD struggles to finalize its annual syndicated loan, a process currently delayed by concerns over crop yields.
This situation marks the second consecutive year that Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, has had to rely on traders for interim funding.
The loan is vital for COCOBOD, as it is used to purchase cocoa beans from farmers, pay for fertilizers, chemicals, and seedlings, and help stabilise the nation’s currency.
However, lenders have expressed hesitancy due to a significant decline in cocoa production. This year, Ghana’s cocoa output is projected to drop to just over 500,000 tons, a steep decrease from the usual 800,000 tons.
The decline is attributed to unfavourable weather conditions, disease outbreaks, and fertilizer shortages.
In response to these challenges, COCOBOD is planning to start the cocoa season a month earlier in September to curb smuggling and allow time for the introduction of a new tracking system.
This system is designed to ensure that all cocoa beans are traced from the farm to the warehouse, in compliance with the European Union’s deforestation regulations.
Efforts to obtain comments from the cocoa traders and COCOBOD regarding the ongoing negotiations have so far been unsuccessful.
Farmers in the Oti Region are facing devastating losses due to an unrelenting dry spell that has left their fields parched and their crop yields in jeopardy.
The lack of rainfall has not only endangered their livelihoods but also posed a serious threat to food security in the area.
Adom News correspondent Obrempongba Owusu visited several farms in the region, where the impact of the prolonged drought was painfully evident.
The majority of farmers in Oti rely on rain-fed agriculture, cultivating staple crops such as maize, rice, groundnut, millet, beans, cassava, and yams.
The dry spell has led to wilting crops and significantly reduced harvests, forcing many farmers to abandon their fields altogether.
Even educational institutions have not been spared as Nkwanta Senior High School lost five acres of its maize farm due to the persistent dry conditions.
The school’s agricultural department, led by Lawrence Antwi, aimed to provide students with hands-on farming experience, but the lack of rain has withered the maize crop, a staple food, and vital resource for the school.
Farmers in the region expressed their frustration and despair as they watched their crops wither and their hopes dwindle. They explained that the absence of rainfall from July to August has left their fields barren, casting uncertainty over their future as they depend entirely on rain-fed agriculture.
As the situation worsens, farmers are urgently calling for intervention from the government and agricultural organizations to help mitigate the impact of the drought.
The Chief Agriculture Technical Officer in Nkwanta South, Stephen Darko, has also raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing dry spell. He warned that the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ II) initiative may struggle to meet its targets if the current weather conditions persist.
Darko emphasized the need for immediate government action to support farmers and safeguard food production in the region.
The Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Bismark Owusu Nortey, stated in a Press conference today, August 15, 2024, that Phase Two of the Planting for Food and Jobs program (PFJ 2.0) is being taken over by politicians, who are now using it as a means of seeking political power.
The Executive Director claims that instead of providing input seeds and fertilizers to aggregators and the District Department of Agriculture for distribution to farmers, these supplies are now being given to the parliamentary candidates and the District Chief Executives (DCEs) for distribution.
He noted that the strategy originally designed for selecting beneficiaries and distributing fertilizers and seeds did not involve politicians. “No part of the strategy mentioned grants or the involvement of politically exposed persons in the selection of beneficiary farmers and distribution of fertilizers and seeds”.
Bismark Owusu Nortey, the Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), explaining the farmers’ frustrations.
He further highlighted that the input distribution formula under the grant component of PFJ 2.0 has become an avenue for some unscrupulous public officials and politicians to demand payments from farmers before they can benefit.
“What is the role of the DCEs and the Parliamentary Candidates in input distribution? Are they replacing the work of aggregators and the district agriculture department and which criteria are they using to distribute the fertilizers? Would the beneficiaries pay back, if they will, who are they paying to? If they are not paying back, why must it be the role of politicians to be involved in inputs distribution?” The Executive Director quizzed, which he believes these questions need to be addressed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
He also stated that in the midst of the planting season, none of the supporting services that the farmers are supposed to receive from the government under Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two have been comprehensively provided.
“In fact, the Bryan Acheampong PFJ 2.0 is no different from the Owusu Afriyie Akoto PFJ 1.0, as both are primarily about the supply of fertilizers and seeds,” the Executive Director asserted.
Bismark Owusu Nortey recalled the launch of PFJ 2.0, where the Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, told the farmers to anticipate comprehensive input and service support across the value chain and that the only thing the farmers needed was land.
“This implied that the Ministry was going to facilitate land preparation services, mechanization, extension, harvesting and marketing services, in addition to all input support, including seeds, fertilizers and agrochemicals,” He highlighted.
Bismark Owusu Nortey urged Ghanaians to brace themselves as food prices may rise if the necessary steps are not taken.
PFAG, therefore, calls on Parliament to summon the Minister of Food and Agriculture to address these concerns.
Hectares of maize and other cereal cultivations in the Northern sector of the country are currently being destroyed by drought, leaving farmers scrambling for solutions to save their livelihoods.
B&FT sources indicate that arid conditions in the Northern belt are currently worse in the maize fields of the Sissala district in the Upper West and many parts of the Northern Region, where hundreds of hectares of farmland have been desiccated and destroyed by the ongoing heatwave.
Since June of this year, the state of maize farms in the Northern Region—possibly the worst in the last decade—has left many farmers shocked as they scramble to find makeshift solutions to salvage the situation.
According to stakeholders, the situation could have been improved if irrigation and mechanized farming had been prioritized as key drivers of the country’s food production agenda.
Certainly, the country has 104 central pivot irrigation systems – each covering a minimum of 40 acres. As it stands, 98 percent of these systems and facilities are non-functional.
In the last decade, the World Bank has committed more than US$200million in loans and grants to meet Ghana’s climate smart agriculture needs.
A significant portion of these funds was intended to revitalise abandoned irrigation schemes across the country, but some stakeholders believe the money has been squandered.
Indeed, an alarming US$11.9million was spent on mobilisation to kick-start construction of the US$99 million Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam… only for the project to fail.
The World Bank estimates between 360,000 and 1.9 million hectares of the country’s agricultural land could be irrigated, yet less than three percent of cultivated land in Ghana benefits from irrigation.
Middle belt emergencies
Similarly, dry weather conditions in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions have put the middle belt agriculture zone in a severe emergency.
A veterinary technologist in Atebubu in the Amantin Municipal District of the Bono East Region, Philip Kwablah Deku, told B&FT that key farming communities, including Atebubu in the Bono East Region, are currently plagued with fall army worms and black insect invasion which are feeding on crops as a result of the severe dry weather.
The situation, he said, has skyrocketed the price of key commodities in the area, including soy, maize among others.
For example, a 100kg bag of cowpea that was sold for GHc1700 in March and April this year currently sells at GH¢2800 due to destruction of crops by these insects, as farmers desire to profit from the few harvests they could salvage.
Position of Agribusiness Chamber, Ghana
These instances, according to the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG), underscore the country’s inertia and ineptitude leading to disappointments that should not come as surprises.
CEO of CAG, Selorm Morrison, said these current happenings deepen the country’s food insecurity and will further deplete incomes of poor farming households.
He argued that it is imperative for government to set up a National Agriculture Risk Management Coordination Centre to deploy early warnings on diseases, rainfall patterns, risks and other challenges to guide farmers in cultivation.
“Making farmers aware of the dangers ahead in terms of looming heatwaves, rainfall patterns will guide in making verifiable decisions to plant or hold on until it is safe to do so. As it stands, there is no such mitigation and risk procedure by the state,” Mr. Morrison said.
The Chamber also suggested that technocrats be put in charge of agriculture management and in advisory roles, instead of politicians with little expertise in the sector.
