Drought-affected farmers need urgent support

Our country's agricultural sector is facing an unprecedented crisis, as drought conditions have left farmers desperate.

Low rainfall has resulted in poor crop yields, while other areas face uncertain weather conditions, making it impossible for farmers to generate enough income to service the loans they secured under the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) initiative.

About 34,000 farmers concentrated in the middle and northern parts of the country are the most affected as reported in last Friday’s issue of the Daily Graphic on the front page headlined: “Farmers risk loans default: Food security, investments under threat” — GIRSAL.

This crisis is not as a result of poor management or inadequate support, but rather an unforeseen natural disaster that has devastated the agricultural sector.

The drought has exposed the vulnerabilities of our agricultural system, highlighting the need for climate-resilient farming practices and robust support mechanisms for farmers.

As the situation worsens, the country's food security seems threatened and the government’s investments in the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative is wasting away.

The initiative, launched with great fanfare, now risks being derailed by the drought. It aimed to boost agricultural production and create jobs but the current situation renders it counterproductive.

Farmers who borrowed money to invest in the initiative are now facing financial ruin, as their crops wither due to the lack of rainfall. This not only wastes the resources invested but also undermines the confidence of farmers in government-led initiatives.

Farmers may not be able to repay their loans, which could lead to a credit crunch and reduced agricultural production. This would have far-reaching consequences, including food shortages, price increases and economic instability.

The dry spell, as experts describe the situation, has not only affected farmers' livelihoods but also their families and communities. With reduced income and food shortages, many will struggle to make ends meet.

The situation is particularly dire for smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of the agricultural sector. They fear losing their farms, homes and their dignity.

The consequences of this crisis will be felt long after the drought. Farmers who default on their loans will struggle to access credit in the future, making it even harder for them to recover.

Additionally, the reduced agricultural production will have a ripple effect on the economy, leading to food shortages and price increases that will affect everyone.

This drought is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are becoming the new normal, and Ghana's agricultural sector must adapt.

 The government and stakeholders must prioritise climate-resilient agriculture and support farmers in adopting sustainable practices that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.

Ghana is not alone in this crisis. The drought has affected several countries in the region, highlighting the need for a coordinated response. Regional cooperation and knowledge sharing can help countries develop effective strategies to mitigate the effects of drought and support affected farmers.

The time for action is now. The Daily Graphic urges the government, financial institutions and stakeholders to come together to support farmers affected by the drought.

We must prioritise their needs and invest in climate-resilient agriculture as the future of Ghana's food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers depend on it.

The government must act swiftly to mitigate the effects of the drought and support affected farmers. This includes providing emergency assistance such as debt relief or subsidies, to help farmers recover from the disaster.

Again, investments in climate-resilient agriculture, irrigation systems and weather insurance can help reduce the vulnerability of farmers to extreme weather events.

It is crucial that we recognise the severity of this crisis and take collective action to address it. The fate of Ghana's food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers depend very much on it.