Urgent Call to Action: Addressing Climate Change Impact on Agriculture in Ghana

Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR’s Animal Research Institute, has warned of the severe impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security in Ghana. During the National Farmers’ Day celebration, she proposed various adaptive measures to mitigate these effects, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and national awareness initiatives to bolster local food production and reduce import dependency.

Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, Acting Deputy Director at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Animal Research Institute, has raised serious concerns regarding the impending climate change crisis and its detrimental implications for agriculture and food security. Speaking at the Adentan Municipal Assembly’s observance of National Farmers’ Day in Accra, she emphasized the urgent need for resilient agricultural practices to combat the unpredictable weather anomalies exacerbated by climate change. Dr. Osei highlighted the adverse impact of climate change on agricultural output, noting that unpredictable rainfall patterns pose significant challenges to food security, resource availability, and community livelihoods. She cautioned that crop production would suffer and that crucial resources such as livestock feed and water would be disproportionately affected, potentially resulting in increased bushfires within vulnerable communities. To tackle these challenges, Dr. Osei proposed the adoption of drought-resistant crops, climate-smart agricultural practices, efficient irrigation methods, and suitable farming techniques, all formed to minimize crop losses and maintain stable agricultural productivity under changing conditions. She referred to a recent study conducted in the Kwahu Afram Plains, led by Dr. Kwame Oppong-Anane, which confirmed the progressive worsening of climate change effects over the past three decades, projecting a future where these effects may intensify if proactive measures are not implemented through policy reform and technology adoption. Furthermore, Dr. Osei advocates for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the causes of climate change and to promote attainable mitigation strategies, urging state institutions and NGOs to play an active role in these efforts. She also stressed the importance of local production, noting Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported food. She recalled that in 2022, the country imported approximately 288,944 metric tons of meat at a staggering expense of 3.126 billion Ghana Cedis, equating to roughly 563 million US dollars, underscoring the urgency for improved local agricultural output. Highlighting agriculture’s significance in Ghana’s economy, accounting for over one-third of its GDP and employing a considerable portion of the workforce, Dr. Osei outlined the government’s considerable investments intended to enhance production and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

In recent years, climate change has emerged as a significant concern for global agricultural systems, affecting crops and livestock alike. As weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the stability of food production is threatened, leading to widespread implications for food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries such as Ghana. The role of local agricultural practices in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change is vital, particularly through sustainable and resilient farming techniques. Dr. Doris Yaa Osei’s address during a prominent agricultural event underscores the necessity of adapting farming practices to meet the challenges posed by climate variability. Her insights from recent studies illustrate the urgency of implementing effective mitigation strategies and promoting public engagement to foster a shared responsibility in combating climate change effects.

Dr. Doris Yaa Osei’s remarks serve as a clarion call to action regarding the pressing threats posed by climate change to agriculture and food security in Ghana. By advocating for innovative agricultural approaches and heightened awareness on climate issues, she aims to mobilize both policy-makers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The call for sustainable practices not only highlights the critical need for adaptation but also emphasizes enhancing local food production to reduce dependency on costly imports, ultimately reinforcing the resilience of Ghana’s agricultural framework.

Original Source: dailyguidenetwork.com