Dr. Stephen Takyi, a Planning Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has called for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s approach to recognizing and rewarding outstanding farmers. He argues that the current practice of awarding material prizes, such as houses and vehicles, while symbolically significant, fails to address the fundamental challenges facing the agricultural sector and contributes minimally to enhancing food security. Dr. Takyi posits that these rewards, though appreciated by recipients, offer limited practical value in boosting agricultural production and ultimately increasing the national food supply. He advocates for a more strategic and impactful approach that prioritizes empowering farmers with resources and tools directly relevant to their operations. This includes providing access to improved technology, quality farm inputs, and affordable credit facilities, which he believes will be instrumental in driving agricultural growth and development.
Dr. Takyi’s critique stems from the understanding that modern agriculture demands a sophisticated approach beyond mere recognition. He contends that rewarding farmers with non-agricultural assets like houses and vehicles does not translate into increased productivity or improved farming practices. These rewards, while valuable in their own right, do not directly address the core needs of farmers, such as access to advanced farming techniques, high-quality seeds and fertilizers, and financial resources to expand their operations. The current system, according to Dr. Takyi, focuses on individual accolades rather than systemic improvements within the agricultural sector, thereby limiting its impact on national food security.
Instead of focusing on material prizes, Dr. Takyi proposes a more pragmatic and sustainable reward system that invests in the long-term growth and development of the agricultural sector. His recommendation is to provide winning farmers with resources that directly enhance their farming capabilities, including access to modern technology, improved farm inputs, and affordable credit. This strategic investment, he argues, will empower farmers to expand their operations, adopt modern and efficient farming practices, and ultimately increase their yields, contributing significantly to national food security.
This shift in approach, according to Dr. Takyi, offers a multi-pronged benefit. Firstly, it directly empowers farmers to improve their productivity and income. Secondly, it fosters the adoption of modern and sustainable agricultural practices, leading to increased efficiency and potentially reduced environmental impact. Thirdly, it can stimulate rural development by creating employment opportunities and boosting economic activity in agricultural communities. By empowering farmers with the tools and resources they need, the government can create a ripple effect that positively impacts the entire agricultural value chain and contributes to broader economic growth.
Speaking on Otec FM’s morning show, Nyansapo, Dr. Takyi emphasized the urgency of aligning reward schemes with the realities of modern farming. He warned that the continued reliance on symbolic rewards, while well-intentioned, could exacerbate Ghana’s dependence on food imports and undermine the country’s long-term food sovereignty. He argues that a failure to invest strategically in the agricultural sector will ultimately make the country more vulnerable to global food price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. By strengthening domestic food production, Ghana can reduce its reliance on imports and ensure a more stable and secure food supply for its citizens.
Dr. Takyi concluded his argument with a powerful call to action, urging the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to review and realign its awards policy with national development priorities. His core message is that true support for farmers lies not in providing them with consumer goods, but in empowering them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their profession and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s food security. He emphasized the importance of investing in the people who feed the nation, not with buildings, but with the tools to feed the nation. This, he believes, is the key to unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s agricultural sector and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
