Food security in Ghana: Leveraging government’s interventions for sustainable solutions
The recent surge in maize prices, which has seen an 80% increase in just eight months, is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Ghana's food security efforts.
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The feed milling industry, a critical sector that supports livestock production, is struggling to maintain production capacity due to severe shortages and soaring prices of essential raw materials.
Ghana's food security is precarious, with the country relying heavily on imports to meet its food needs.
The maize shortage, exacerbated by drought and climate change, has exposed the weaknesses in the country's agricultural sector.
The impact of the food crisis on Ghana's economy is multifaceted. Food price increases have a direct impact on inflation, eroding the purchasing power of consumers and reducing economic growth. The feed milling industry's struggles will lead to job losses, exacerbating Ghana's unemployment challenges.
Over the past two years, we have seen the devastating effect of soaring food prices and its impact on the economy. We have come from a regime of a 50% inflation rate because of our recent economic crisis.
Therefore, the warning signs are on the wall. That this year, the rains have not come as plentiful as was expected. Therefore, there is bound to be food crisis because of the seasonality of our farming methods.
This brings to mind the government's flagship agriculture policy.
In 2017, the government launched the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme, a flagship initiative aimed at boosting agricultural production, improving food security and creating jobs.
Preliminary data suggests that the PFJ has made significant strides.
The PFJ's impact saw increased food production. Maize production increased by 71% between 2017 and 2020. - There is an estimated job creation of over 1.5 million farmers who benefited from the programme, creating employment opportunities.
Farmers' incomes increased by an average of 30%. Under the PFJ, Ghana's maize import bill decreased by 40% between 2017 and 2020.
Despite the PFJ's successes, challenges persist. Climate change, market fluctuations and inadequate infrastructure threaten the programme's sustainability. We are seeing draughts come up because the rains not coming as expected.
It brings to focus some key actions if we hope to avert the crushing food crisis we witnessed in 1981. There is an urgent need to scale up the success of the PFJ to address the challenges ahead
After all, this is a country that imports everything from everywhere with recent reports that we may soon import water as a result of the pollution of all water bodies due to “Galamsey” or illegal mining.
The government should enhance climate-resilient agriculture, improve market access and invest in infrastructure development.
Modernisation of the agriculture sector should no longer be political talk but a deliberate action that contributes significantly to long-term food security.
By prioritising agricultural modernisation through mechanisation, technology and extension services, we will take our destination into our own hands and not to be reliant on landlocked countries, north of our borders to feed ourselves.
Given that the government is financially stretched, there is a need to deepen the private sector’s role in Ghana's agricultural development through investment, partnerships and innovation.
The Planting for Food and Jobs programme has demonstrated its potential in improving food security, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
However, sustaining these gains requires continued investment, innovation and policy support.
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The Graphic Business is of the view that the government should expand the PFJ to include more crops and farmers; invest in agricultural research and development to improve crop yields and resilience.
We also recommend the development of a comprehensive policy framework to address food security. Support smallholder farmers with training, inputs and market access.
The Graphic Business is of the opinion that by leveraging the PFJ's successes and addressing its challenges, Ghana can ensure food security, promote economic growth and enhance resilience.
Ghana's food security challenges require a collective effort.
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We urge government, private sector and civil society to work together to address the challenges facing the agriculture sector.