The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called for increased investment in affordable agricultural innovations to help smallholder farmers tackle climate change, improve productivity and strengthen Ghana’s food security.
The association made the call as the global community commemorates World Food Day under the theme, “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow.”
PFAG said agricultural innovation must respond directly to the challenges farmers face, including erratic rainfall, limited access to mechanisation, post-harvest losses and inadequate market access.
In a press release, the association emphasized that farmers already possess valuable knowledge and experience that should inform the development of agricultural solutions.
“Farmers are innovators in their own right, applying generations of knowledge to the land, crops, weather and local food systems,” the statement said.
PFAG stressed that innovation should not be limited to advanced technology but should include practical, affordable and accessible solutions that build on farmers’ existing knowledge.
The association’s Executive Director, Bismark Nortey, said agricultural innovations would have limited impact if farmers could not afford them or connect their produce to reliable markets.
“Improved seeds, irrigation, climate information, digital extension, soil-health practices, agroecology, storage and local processing can strengthen productivity and resilience,” Mr Nortey said.
“But these innovations will have limited impact unless farmers can access and use them affordably and connect their produce to ready markets,” he added.
PFAG noted that smallholder farmers across Ghana continue to face growing climate pressures, with prolonged dry spells and unpredictable rainfall threatening crop production and household food security.
In the Kassena area of the Upper East Region, the association said irregular rainfall and extended dry periods continue to affect crop establishment and yields.
It called for timely climate information, appropriate irrigation systems, drought-tolerant seeds and practical agricultural extension services to help farmers manage these risks.
PFAG also identified limited access to affordable mechanisation as a major constraint facing smallholder farmers.
The association said inadequate access to tractors, planters, harvesters, threshers and post-harvest equipment increases labour demands, delays farming activities and contributes to losses.
It is therefore calling for expanded access to appropriate mechanisation services, particularly for women and young farmers who may face additional barriers to accessing agricultural equipment and technology.
The association believes that farmer-centered mechanization could help improve efficiency and enable farmers to carry out essential agricultural activities on time.
To address the challenges confronting smallholder farmers, PFAG is urging government, development partners, academic institutions, financial institutions and private-sector organisations to invest in several priority areas.
These include affordable irrigation and water-management systems, climate information services, drought-tolerant seeds, agroecological practices and accessible mechanisation.
The association is also advocating improved storage, processing, aggregation and supply-chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ access to markets.
It wants greater support for women and young farmers to access land, finance, technology, training and market opportunities.
PFAG has further urged policymakers and development partners to involve farmer organisations in designing and implementing agricultural programmes.
According to the association, meaningful participation would help ensure that investments reflect local conditions, protect livelihoods and deliver measurable results.
Mr. Nortey said building a food-secure Ghana requires cooperation across the agricultural value chain.
“Building a food-secure Ghana requires coordinated action by farmers, government, researchers, businesses, development partners and consumers,” he said.
He added that consumers could contribute by choosing locally produced food and reducing food waste.
As part of its World Food Day message, PFAG reaffirmed its vision of “A life of dignity for the peasant farmer.”
The association called for a food system that recognises farmers as producers, knowledge holders, entrepreneurs and partners in national development.
