The agriculture and aquaculture associations has called on the President and the Parliament for immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey by ceasing all galamsey operations immediately, and requested immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies, restoring degraded lands, and prosecuting perpetrators.
According to the associations, the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) is wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.
They called for urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.
They made their stance known in a press release dated September 12, 2024, jointly signed by stakeholders in the Agriculture and Aquaculture value chain.
The associations called for the implementation of sustainable mining practices, support for affected communities and industries, the setup of a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders, and the deployment of military and police personnel to galamsey-prone areas.
To end galamsey, the associations stated that there should be the provision of alternative livelihoods, the development of a National Mining Policy, and the setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund, as well as promoting agroforestry and reforestation efforts.
The associations further reiterated the detrimental impacts of galamsey activities on Ghana’s environment.
They highlighted the widespread depletion of Ghana’s Forest Reserve and the destruction of 78% of freshwater bodies (FAO, 2022), loss of aquatic life, biodiversity, and significant economic repercussions, including a $1.2 billion annual fish import bill (GSA, 2023).
They indicated that the threats to food security, job creation, health, and national stability (MoTI, 2022), alarming pollution levels in water bodies and forest cover loss (EPA, 2023), health risks such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and birth defects linked to exposure to hazardous substances used in galamsey (GHS, 2023), and estimated annual economic losses of $2.3 billion with over 1 million individuals directly involved in galamsey (GSS, 2022).
The coalition, therefore, urged the Minister of Food and Agriculture to publicly denounce galamsey’s impact, collaborate with the Minister of Environment, protect farmers’ lands, and support affected farmers, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.
The coalition stands resolutely against the devastation caused by galamsey and calls for innovative solutions, community involvement, and justice for affected regions.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers have officially launched the National Livestock Day that is scheduled on October 3rd and 4th, 2024 at the Efua Sutherland Park, Accra.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has stated that livestock farming is crucial in the country as it creates jobs, provides food and nutrition, and boosts the country’s economy.
The Ministry, through the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru made this statement at the media launch of National Livestock Day, held at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Project Office in Cantoment-Accra, on September 10, 2024.
The Deputy Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing livestock farming as a key factor in its development agenda. The celebration of National Livestock Day aligns with this commitment and aims to spotlight the sector’s importance.
Speaking to Agric Today on the theme, “A Thriving Livestock Industry Towards Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security for Economic Growth,” the Deputy Minister pointed out that livestock farming is integral to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas who rely on it for income and sustenance.
As part of the National Livestock Day celebrations, the event will feature a diverse range of ruminant livestock breeds. There will be significant discounts on meat products available to the general public.
Hon. Tufeiru highlighted that the future prosperity of Ghana is closely linked to the growth of the livestock sector, which plays a pivotal role in boosting the national economy.
He encouraged corporate entities, businesses, and other organizations to participate as sponsors and partners in this important event.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, the Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR-Animal Research Institute, echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments. She emphasized that the livestock sector is essential to the country’s development, contributing 4.9 billion Ghana Cedis to the GDP in 2022.
Dr. Yaa Osei said the benefits of livestock extend beyond food and nutrition security; they also include valuable by-products such as manure for crop farming and hides for manufacturing footwear and bags.
She affirms the CSIR-Animal Research Institute’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers, and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
The goal is to achieve national self-sufficiency in food and nutritional security while generating income through improved and sustainable livestock production practices.
The Deputy Director of the Animal Production Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Dr. Abdul Razak Okine spoke on the directorate’s objectives.
He stated that the directorate is committed to creating an enabling environment for the livestock sector to thrive in Ghana.
As part of this commitment, they plan to embark on a nationwide tour to gather input from livestock farmers, processors, and other stakeholders involved in the livestock value chain.
Dr. Okine reiterated the importance of the exhibition, which will be held on October 3rd and 4th, 2024, and expressed the positive impact that the event will have on the sector.
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The winning startup will receive $50,000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network, unlocking valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth and global presence.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has reiterated plans to implement a self-financing model for the 2024/2025 cocoa crop season.
He clarified, however, that this initiative will operate alongside the traditional syndicated loan system.
COCOBOD recently unveiled its intention to shift towards self-financing for the upcoming season, but Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam contradicted this announcement, stating that the government will still seek external funding to support the cocoa sector.
Speaking during a meeting with farmers from various cocoa districts in Kumasi on Friday, Aidoo assured that the self-financing model will be integrated with the existing loan structure, ensuring a blended approach to funding the sector.
“It is just a blend. We are blending what we’ve been doing for years. I don’t think there is anything wrong with introducing a new thing. Once you have an existing model, you can only combine that model with a new one, and I believe that if it works, then Ghana will work with that model going forward.
“We have already tried it during the last crop season, from June up to the end of August. That was the model we were using to buy cocoa and ship, and it has worked, but we want to scale it. So even as we may be going for a loan, because when you talk about syndication, it is like going to borrow, and what we are doing will not require borrowing. So if we are blending not borrowing with borrowing, I don’t think it should become an issue.
“We want to implement the not borrowing, thus the self-financing. That is what we are starting the season with, and once it works, there will be no need for us to go for borrowing,” he stated.
The Mankrom Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association has revealed that over 100,000 acres of cocoa farms have been destroyed due to illegal mining activities.
The farmers voiced their concerns over the severe impact on cocoa-growing areas, where farmlands are being ravaged in the pursuit of gold.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News, the president of the association emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to halt the ongoing destruction and protect the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
“They are destroying cocoa farms and lands for this illegal mining and we have not heard anything. In case the government is not aware of the destruction; the cocoa board is telling farmers that they cannot do anything as of now looking at the level of harm and the big men that are into gold mining.
“Now, even the government has changed the name and made it community mining. What is community mining? They are doing exactly what the illegal miners are doing.
“More than 100,000 acres of farmlands have been destroyed due to illegal mining and it has affected us and our production for this year. Because most of the cocoa has been cut down and once they have been cut down, it is making things difficult for us to get the harvest that we are getting.
“So, I believe that going forward the government should declare a state of emergency in the galamsey areas. All galamsey issues should be halted so that after the elections, a commission should be set up to investigate all the illegal mining in the country so that we come up with a blueprint, for the way that we should do mining in Ghana.
“Other than that everybody has to just wake up and search for gold and illegally continue on those businesses, then lives and properties will continue to be affected,” he stated.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has expressed its disappointment over the alleged politicisation of fertiliser distribution under phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative.
Concerns were raised after reports surfaced that Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives were distributing fertilisers based on political party affiliation.
Speaking to Citi News, the Programmes Manager of the association, Charles Nyaaba, confirmed these allegations after engaging with peasant farmers nationwide, who shared their experiences regarding the biased distribution.
“We, as farmers, were expecting that it [the fertiliser] would be evenly distributed according to vulnerable people. At the beginning of the week, I have so far visited about 20 districts and in all these districts I visited, those are the complaints that were coming from our members, that if you are not a member of NPP, they will not even allow you to be part of it.
“So there are farmers who have not even attempted to go there because if you go there and you are not a member of the party, you will not be allowed to take part and get your share.
“But as an association that represents the voices of farmers across all political divides, we are so disappointed.”
Salerno is set to become the center of Agrifood innovation and sustainability from September 8 to 10, 2024 as it hosts the highly anticipated 2nd AgriFood Future 2024.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, is set to redefine Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical results oriented speeches and workshops to contribute in reforming and expanding the global discussion on Agrifood systems.
AgriFood Future 2024 will further explore the connection of technological innovation and sustainability, all aimed at demonstrating how cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices can be integrated forward-looking Agri-food businesses.
AgriFood Future 2024 is expected to attract over 300 speakers who will contribute into digital transformation and expanding AgriFood systems within the African and the Caribbean regions.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere and Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, leads this year’s event on the theme “Building a Sustainable Business in the Food System with AI.” His leadership is key to highlighting the development of a sustainable and innovative business approach within the food industry.
Andrea Prete is an entrepreneur in the industrial automation sector. Today at the helm of Unioncamere he aims to support the transformation in the Italian agri-food sector, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation. He advocates for practices that reduce the environmental impact of agri-food operations, while promoting the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. His efforts have helped streamline operations and increase resource use, ensuring the sector remains competitive in Europe, Italy, Africa and the Caribbean.
In addition to these initiatives, Prete has worked to improve market access for Italian Agri-food products, both domestically and internationally.
This year’s AgriFood Future will feature Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the first Ghanaian speaker at AgriFood Future. As the founder of the Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta As a leading advocate for women and youth in the agriculture value chain in Ghana. Her participation will highlight the global commitment to foster the collaboration within African and the Caribbean’s on the role of women in advancing global food systems.
Leading this transformative AgriFood Future initiative, Alex Giordano, a Scientific Director for Agrifood Future 2024, whose visionary leadership is set to drive AgriFood Future 2024 into a new era of innovation and sustainability.
Under Giordano’s guidance, AgriFood Future 2024 will highlight groundbreaking business models and strategies designed to address critical issues such as food waste reduction, supply chain resilience and sustainable farming.
As Salerno prepares to host this landmark event, AgriFood Future 2024 is promise to be a transformative event, bringing together leading voices and decision-makers to shape the future of the Agri-food sector in the Caribbean and Africa as well.
Salerno is set to become the center of Agrifood innovation and sustainability from September 8 to 10, 2024 as it hosts the highly anticipated 2nd AgriFood Future 2024.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, is set to redefine Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical results-oriented speeches and workshops to contribute in reforming and expanding the global discussion on Agrifood systems.
The AgriFood Future will offer a unique opportunity to leverage its rich agricultural heritage, integrating modern technologies to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable food systems.
Leading this year’s transformative AgriFood Future initiative, Alex Giordano, Scientific Director with visionary leadership is set to drive AgriFood Future 2024 into a new era of innovation and sustainability. This year’s theme, “Building a Business in the Food System 5.0,” reflects Giordano’s commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices to advance the AgriFood industry.
Under Giordano’s guidance, AgriFood Future 2024 will highlight groundbreaking business models and strategies designed to address critical issues such as food waste reduction, supply chain resilience and sustainable farming.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere and Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, leads this year’s event on the theme “Building a Sustainable Business in the Food System with AI.” His leadership is key to highlighting the development of a sustainable and innovative business approach within the food industry.
Andrea Prete is an entrepreneur in the industrial automation sector. Today at the helm of Unioncamere he aims to support the transformation in the Italian agri-food sector, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation. He advocates for practices that reduce the environmental impact of agri-food operations, while promoting the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. His efforts have helped streamline operations and increase resource use, ensuring the sector remains competitive in Europe, Italy, Africa and the Caribbean.
In a statement, the President of Unioncamere and promoter of AgriFood Future, Mr. Andrea Prete, expressed his excitement about having Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa as a keynote speaker for the event.
Under Ms. Akosa’s leadership, Agrihouse Foundation has been instrumental in executing initiatives designed to unlock the potential of youth, women and men for innovation in the agricultural sector.
These initiatives include the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums, and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
Her expertise in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration for the sector aligns perfectly with the themes of our conference,” he added
Her participation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and pioneering contributions to the agri-food sector.” Mr. Prete further acknowledged.
“We look forward to her keynote address and the rich discussions that will follow as we work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive AgriFood Future”.
As Salerno prepares to host this landmark event, AgriFood Future 2024 is promise to be a transformative event, bringing together leading voices and decision-makers to shape the future of the Agri-food sector in the Caribbean and Africa as well.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, will deliver a keynote address at the 2nd AgriFood Future 2024 in Salerno, Italy.
The Agrifood Future, a premium event scheduled from September 8 to 11, 2024, will feature her keynote on the topic “Women Leading in Agritech” is expected to highlight the vital role women are playing and will play and can play in advancing global food systems if given the platform.
Alberta will also be sharing Agrihouse Foundation’s Agri interventions and the growth and impacts the interventions have been making within the African Region.
The AgriFood Future is organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of the European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses, and Made in Italy, this year’s event will focus on the theme “Building a Business in the Food System 5.0 with AI“ it will highlight and explore innovative practices, partnerships and collaborations that can drive growth and efficiency within the agri-food sector.
Alberta’s participation becomes very strategic this year as the AgriFood Future seeks to broaden its scope to cover the African and Caribbean Regions in the short and long term.
This major event is expected to lead to the expansion and participation of more African and Caribbean and offer the opportunity to delve into the global business in food systems and how we can collectively build it.
In a statement, the President of Unioncamere and promoter of AgriFood Future, Mr. Andrea Prete, expressed his excitement about having Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa as a keynote speaker for the event.
According to her, participating in AgriFood Future 2024 will help promote and create opportunities for Ghana, Africa, and the Caribbean regions on the global stage.
“Ms. Akosa has been at the forefront of transforming agricultural practices in Africa, particularly through her work in promoting innovation, sustainability, and capacity building within the agricultural community in Ghana.
Her expertise in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration for the sector aligns perfectly with the themes of our conference,” he added
Her participation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and pioneering contributions to the agri-food sector.” Mr. Prete further acknowledged.
“We look forward to her keynote address and the rich discussions that will follow as we work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive AgriFood Future”.
Adding his voice, the Scientific Director, for AgriFood Future, Alex Giordano Stated that Ms. Akosa’s selection to speak at AgriFood Future 2024, is in recognition of the substantial impact Agrihouse Foundation has made in Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in youth advocacy, women empowerment, and enhancing market accessibility through their initiatives and interventions.
‘’As a leading advocate for women, youth, and men in Ghana’s agriculture sector, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa embodies the spirit of innovation and progress that AgriFood Future aims to celebrate’’.
Her insights and participation at this year’s 2nd Agrifood Future will no doubt provide an invaluable perspective on the role of women in advancing global food systems and highlight how Africa can contribute to and benefit from global AgriFood advancements.
Sharing her excitement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Unioncamere for the opportunity to deliver a keynote address at the 2nd Agrifood Future 2024.
“I am honored to be the first Ghanaian to address attendees at this year’s AgriFood Future, and I look forward to discussing how women leaders in Agritech are driving innovation and how Ghana and Africa can harness these advancements to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.”
She further emphasized that her insights aim to position Ghana and Africa as key players in the global agricultural arena, fostering valuable connections and business opportunities across international borders.
” The AgriFood Future 2024 provides an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, by this I will also explore how Africa can leverage global platforms like AgriFood Future to enhance agricultural practices,” stated Ms. Akosa.
Under Ms. Akosa’s leadership, the Agrihouse Foundation has been instrumental in executing initiatives designed to unlock the potential of youth, women, and men for innovation in the agricultural sector.
These initiatives include the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums, and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
Additionally, Agrihouse Foundation hosts the annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions, the Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow, Ghana Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibitions and Awards (GACA), 1Household 1Garden, and Ghana Poultry Day. These initiatives have and continue to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders, particularly in rural communities where the innovation potential is vast but often untapped.
Tomatoes are an indispensable part of Ghanaian cuisine, featuring prominently in a myriad of daily dishes. However, the escalating cost of tomatoes has become a heavy burden for many Ghanaians, straining household budgets and threatening food security. Prices can surge dramatically, often doubling or tripling during off-peak seasons. These price hikes are driven by several factors, including the seasonal nature of production, substantial post-harvest losses, and a heavy reliance on costly imports.
The financial strain from high tomato prices has extensive implications. Low-income families, in particular, may reduce their tomato consumption, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies. Street food vendors and small restaurant owners, faced with increased costs, often pass these expenses on to consumers, further exacerbating food insecurity. The root causes of these high prices lie in deeper systemic issues within Ghana’s agricultural sector, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality inputs, and inconsistent government policies.
The Tomato Industry: A Microcosm of Agricultural Woes
Despite favorable climatic conditions for growing tomatoes, Ghana relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. This dependency highlights critical weaknesses in local agricultural practices, infrastructure, and policy support. Seasonal production variability, high post-harvest losses, and insufficient investment in cold storage and transportation infrastructure further exacerbate the problem, forcing reliance on imports from countries like Burkina Faso and Morocco.
Agriculture is the backbone of Ghana’s economy, providing employment for over half of the population and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. Yet, despite its vital role, the sector struggles with numerous challenges that hinder its full potential. The plight of the tomato industry in Ghana exemplifies the broader issues plaguing the agricultural sector. This article delves into the harsh realities faced by tomato farmers, the systemic problems caused or ignored by the government, and explores actionable steps to transform Ghana into a self-sufficient and net exporter of tomatoes.
Government Neglect and Policy Failures
Inconsistent Agricultural Policies
Lack of Long-Term Planning: The government has often implemented agricultural policies that lack long-term vision and consistency. Initiatives like the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program, while well-intentioned, have suffered from poor implementation and inadequate follow-through.
Regulatory Challenges: The regulatory environment is often cumbersome and inconsistent, deterring investment and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Infrastructure Deficits
Neglected Rural Infrastructure: The government has not prioritized the development of essential infrastructure in rural areas. Poor road networks and lack of reliable transportation systems hinder the efficient movement of tomatoes from farms to markets, leading to high post-harvest losses.
Inadequate Storage Facilities – Cold Chain: Despite the known perishability of tomatoes, there has been little investment in cold storage facilities. This neglect results in significant post-harvest losses and forces farmers to sell their produce quickly at lower prices.
Limited Support for Research and Development
Underfunded Agricultural Research: The government has not sufficiently funded research institutions to develop high-yield, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant tomato varieties. Without these advancements, farmers continue to struggle with low productivity and high vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Lack of Extension Services: Extension services are crucial for educating farmers on best practices. However, these services are often under-resourced and poorly managed, leaving farmers without the necessary support to improve their yields and profitability.
Access to Inputs and Financing
High Cost of Inputs: Farmers face high costs for quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, with minimal subsidies or financial support from the government. This lack of assistance limits their ability to adopt modern farming techniques.
Scarce Credit Facilities: The government has not facilitated adequate access to affordable credit for smallholder farmers. Without financial support, farmers cannot invest in necessary inputs and infrastructure.
Seasonal Production and Perishability
Tomato farming in Ghana is highly seasonal. Peak harvests occur from January to March, while the rainy season, spanning from April to September, sees a sharp decline in production. This seasonal variability creates significant supply gaps that are filled by imports, particularly from Burkina Faso and Morocco. The perishability of tomatoes exacerbates the problem. With inadequate storage and cold chain infrastructure, a significant portion of the local harvest is lost post-harvest. Farmers are forced to sell their produce quickly at lower prices to avoid spoilage, resulting in minimal profits and substantial food waste.
Quality Mismatch
The types of tomatoes produced locally are often not suited for the needs of the market, especially the processing industry. Local varieties, such as the popular Roma tomato, have high water content and short shelf life, making them less suitable for processing into paste, sauces, and canned products. In contrast, imported varieties are preferred for their firmer texture, lower water content, and consistent quality, which are ideal for industrial use.
The Economic Impact of Tomato Imports
Ghana spends a substantial amount of foreign exchange on importing tomatoes. The country spends approximately $400 million annually to import fresh tomatoes, primarily from Burkina Faso. This significant outflow of foreign exchange highlights the economic cost of the country’s dependency on imports and underscores the urgent need to bolster local production (National Food Buffer Stock Company) (AgricToday).
Pathways to Self-Sufficiency and Export Potential
Varietal Improvement and Adoption
Demand for Processing Varieties: The market demands tomatoes with lower water content and firmer texture, suitable for processing into paste and sauces. Hybrid varieties that meet these criteria, such as those developed in research institutions, should be promoted.
Partnership with research institutions in European, South American, and Asian countries that have adopted “seed without borders” to provide tomato lines that have undergone initial breeding trials for Ghana to evaluate within 2-3 years to get the right varieties that suit our climatic conditions so we avoid the long term (8-9 years breeding) work.
Research and Development: Investing in research to develop high-yield, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant tomato varieties is crucial. Collaborations with agricultural universities and international research bodies can expedite this process.
The Ghana Food Research Fund.
The fund’s establishment will drive Research into smart technologies such as IoT and satellite imaging to detect pests and diseases. R & D in horizontal and vertical ecosystems must be implemented in greenhouse technologies.
Infrastructure Development
Cold Storage Facilities: Establishing cold storage facilities at key production sites and markets can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and extend the shelf life of tomatoes and Processing equipment.
Improved Transportation: Upgrading road networks and transportation systems will facilitate the efficient movement of tomatoes from farms to markets, reducing spoilage and cost.
Access to Inputs and Financing
Subsidies and Incentives: Providing subsidies for high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides can improve productivity. Incentives for adopting modern farming techniques, such as drip irrigation and greenhouse farming, can also boost yields. For example, in Japan, the government gives 50% subsidies to farmers. Ghana should learn from Japan.
Microfinance and Credit Facilities: Expanding access to affordable credit through microfinance institutions and agricultural banks can empower farmers to invest in necessary inputs and infrastructure.
Extension Services and Training
Farmer Education: Strengthening agricultural extension services to educate farmers on best practices for tomato cultivation, pest management, and post-harvest handling is essential.
Adoption of the use of infographics, and mobile apps in different languages for building the capacity of farmers’ agricultural best practices should be mandatory.
Capacity Building: Training programs focusing on modern agricultural techniques, financial literacy, and market access can enhance the capacity of farmers to operate efficiently and profitably.
Market Development and Policy Support
Domestic and Export Markets: Developing both domestic and international markets for Ghanaian tomatoes can enhance profitability. Establishing quality standards and certifications can make local tomatoes competitive in global markets.
Supportive Policies: Implementing policies that promote investment in the tomato value chain, including tax incentives for agro-processors and exporters, can drive industry growth. Ensuring consistent and supportive agricultural policies will create a stable environment for farmers and investors.
Pest and Disease Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Promoting IPM practices can help manage pests and diseases sustainably. Research into biological control methods and resistant varieties should be prioritized. The application of satellite services in pest and disease detection is key.
Extension Support: Providing timely and effective support to farmers through extension services can help mitigate the impact of pests and diseases on tomato crops. AI prompts must be adopted and privatization of extension must be affected.
Conclusion
The sad reality of the agricultural sector in Ghana, exemplified by the tomato industry, underscores the need for comprehensive and strategic interventions. Ghana can transform its tomato industry by addressing the challenges of varietal suitability, infrastructure deficits, access to inputs and financing, and market development. The government’s neglect and policy failures have exacerbated these issues, but with concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and international partners, Ghana has the potential to become self-sufficient in tomato production and emerge as a net exporter, contributing significantly to food security and economic growth.
IN SUMMARY
1. Post-harvest losses: Many tomatoes rot before reaching the market due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities.
2. Lack of irrigation: Tomato farming relies heavily on rainfall, which can be unpredictable. Irrigation systems are scarce, making it difficult for farmers to maintain consistent yields.
3. Pests and diseases: Tomato crops are susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as the tomato leaf miner and bacterial wilt, which can significantly reduce yields.
4. Limited access to markets: Smallholder farmers often struggle to connect with buyers, leading to low prices and income instability.
5. Outdated farming practices: Many farmers still use traditional methods, which can lead to low productivity and decreased quality.
6. Climate change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affect tomato yields and quality.
7. Competition from imports: Cheap tomato imports from other countries can flood the market, making it difficult for local farmers to compete.
8. Greenhouse technologies, smart farming techniques utilizing IoT, Satellite and robotics, and nutrient solution technology will make tomato production sexy and attractive.
