Dealing with drought, food crisis: Multifaceted approach

Ghana, like many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is grappling with the growing challenges of drought and food insecurity.

As a chief, church leader, farmer and businessman, I have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact these crises have on our communities.

It is not just the scarcity of food that concerns us, but the long-term implications for our economy, health and social stability.

To effectively address these issues, we must rethink our strategies and involve a broader range of stakeholders in the decision-making process, rather than relying solely on political leaders.

Our ancestors understood the importance of sustainable land management and community collaboration. However, modern challenges, such as, climate change and deforestation have disrupted traditional practices, making our communities more vulnerable to drought.

To combat this, we must revive and adapt our indigenous knowledge systems while integrating modern technologies.

This involves promoting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in water conservation and encouraging reforestation efforts. 

Church

The church has always played a crucial role in community development. We have a moral obligation, as church leaders, to help address the food crisis by promoting stewardship, compassion and resilience.

The church can mobilise communities to adopt sustainable farming practices, conserve water and share resources during times of scarcity.

Moreover, the church can sensitise congregations about the causes and consequences of drought and food insecurity, helping to shift mindsets toward long-term solutions rather than short-term relief efforts.

The church should also be in the position to work closely with other religious bodies, civil society organisations, and development partners to create a unified front against these crises.

By fostering a spirit of collaboration, we can pool our resources and expertise to implement impactful interventions that reach the most vulnerable members of our society.

Agro

We must also explore innovative solutions, such as agroforestry, which integrates trees and crops to improve soil fertility and water retention, and crop diversification to reduce dependence on a single food source.

Additionally, establishing farmer cooperatives can enhance our bargaining power, access to markets, and ability to share knowledge and resources.

From a business perspective, the food crisis presents both challenges and opportunities. The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of Ghana's economy, and addressing food insecurity is not just a moral imperative but an economic one.

The looming food crisis presents an opportunity for the development of agro-industries that can process raw agricultural products into value-added goods.

This will not only create jobs but also reduce post-harvest losses and increase food availability.

Investment in agricultural technology and innovation is particularly critical.

We should support start-ups and entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to improve crop yields, reduce waste, and enhance food distribution networks.

Public-private partnerships will be essential in scaling these solutions and ensuring that they are accessible to farmers across the country.

One of the most significant lessons I have learned in my various leadership roles is the importance of inclusive decision-making.

Too often, decisions about how to address the food crisis are made at the top, without sufficient input from those who are most affected.  Much as political leaders have a duty to ensure food security in the country, they cannot solve these problems alone.

Chiefs, religious leaders, farmers, businesspeople, and civil society organisations should be involved in the decision-making process.

Each of these groups bring valuable insights and resources that can contribute to a more comprehensive and effective response.

The writer is the Chief of Asante Asaman (Asante Asamanhene)/Elder, Church of Pentecost (Dep. Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry).