Ghana’s agricultural growth: A balanced approach for sustainable development – Dr Christian Sewordor Mensah

I recently watched a debate between Prof. Irene Agyiri and Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor on the youth manifesto, focusing on agriculture policy. While I agree with some points made by Dr. Boamah, I differ on others. I commend him on his eloquence.

I disagree with Dr. Boamah’s notion that agriculture production should only focus on food. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agricultural development can stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve food security (FAO, 2020). However, I concur with his emphasis on mechanization, which can increase efficiency and productivity by up to 50% (IFAD, 2019).

To enhance agribusiness development, we must focus on both food and market-oriented agriculture. This dual approach can increase farmers’ incomes by up to 20% (World Bank, 2019). I also support Dr. Boamah’s suggestions on land banking and encouraging roadside cultivation to mitigate climate change, which can absorb up to 22% of carbon emissions (IPCC, 2019).

However, I disagree with Prof. Agyiri’s “Kenkey economy” analysis. Prices are determined by demand and supply forces, influenced by factors like inputs, which can account for up to 70% of production costs (MoFA, 2020). Comparing prices with the US is misleading, as factors like labor costs, transportation, and market demand differ significantly between the two countries. For instance, Ghana’s average monthly labor cost in agriculture is around GHS 500, whereas in the US, it’s approximately $2,500 (ILO, 2020).

,a balanced approach to agriculture development, focusing on both food and market-oriented production, can drive economic growth, improve food security, and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

Narrowing down to food security and food systems:

To achieve food security and sustainable food systems, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses the following key areas:

1. Production: Increase agricultural productivity through mechanization, irrigation, and technology adoption, aiming for a 30% increase in crop yields by 2025 (FAO, 2020).

2. Post-harvest management: Reduce post-harvest losses by 20% through improved storage, transportation, and processing infrastructure (IFAD, 2019).

3. Market access: Enhance market access for smallholder farmers, increasing their incomes by 15% through market-oriented agriculture (World Bank, 2019).

4. Food waste reduction: Implement initiatives to reduce food waste by 10% along the supply chain, from production to consumption (FAO, 2020).

5. Nutrition education: Integrate nutrition education into school curricula, targeting a 25% increase in knowledge and adoption of healthy eating habits among youth (WHO, 2018).

6. Climate resilience: Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, aiming for a 20% increase in adoption among smallholder farmers (IPCC, 2019).

7. Support policies: Implement supportive policies, such as subsidies, credit facilities, and insurance programs, to benefit smallholder farmers and enhance food security (MoFA, 2020).

addressing these areas, we can strengthen food systems, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agriculture development.

By: Christian Sewordor Mensah, Ph.D