Patience Nkaara Kpiniong, the 2024 overall Savannah Regional Best Farmer, has emphasized the urgent need for the government and agricultural stakeholders in Ghana to implement long-term strategies to combat the deepening effects of climate change on the country’s agricultural sector. In particular, she highlighted the necessity for large-scale irrigation systems and the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices, especially in the northern regions of Ghana where agricultural activities are heavily reliant on erratic rainfall patterns. Nkaara asserts that the development of irrigation infrastructure can provide a consistent water supply for farming, thereby reducing the vulnerability of farmers to unreliable precipitation and enabling them to engage in year-round agricultural activities.
The situation in northern and middle Ghana has been compounded by recent drought conditions, which have affected approximately 1.8 million hectares of agricultural land. Reports from the Ghana Grains Council indicate that the Northern and Savannah regions, which are significant contributors to the national production of maize, millet, sorghum, and rice, have experienced severe crop losses. Specifically, maize yields have decreased by 35%, and there has been a 25% decline in rice production, alongside approximately 20% reductions in the yields of millet and sorghum. Nkaara describes this drought as one of the worst in decades, revealing the vulnerabilities of the agricultural system in place and leading to substantial losses for smallholder farmers.
As a direct result of these drought conditions, Nkaara noted that essential staple crops, including rice, maize, groundnuts, and millet, have withered due to insufficient rainfall. This phenomenon has resulted in failed or minimal harvests, severely jeopardizing farmers’ incomes and contributing to an impending food crisis in both northern Ghana and the country as a whole. The reliance on rain-fed agriculture has left farmers at the mercy of weather patterns, making them susceptible to complete loss of their primary source of food and income due to a lack of rainfall. This precarious situation exacerbates the already entrenched cycle of poverty, affecting not just the farmers but also local markets, where rising food prices are straining households.
In the face of these challenges, the Chief Executive Officer of Karamel Farms, which Nkaara leads, has asserted that the outlook for agricultural productivity in Ghana could be significantly improved with strategic investment in irrigation infrastructure. By adopting these systems in strategically critical locations across the nation, agricultural stakeholders could unlock opportunities for cultivating high-value crops that need a stable water supply. Such a shift can enhance farmers’ incomes and boost overall productivity, therefore reducing their dependence on the whims of seasonal rains.
Karamel Farms itself is a female-led agribusiness dedicated to mitigating some of the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture in the Savannah Region. The firm specializes in cultivating, aggregating, and processing staple crops like rice, maize, and soybeans for both local and international markets. By providing crucial farm inputs and mechanized services, Karamel Farms empowers over 150 smallholder farmers in the region. This assistance improves their crop yields, minimizes post-harvest losses, and builds more resilient farming communities capable of coping better with external shocks, such as climate variability.
Ultimately, the vision articulated by Nkaara and implemented by Karamel Farms demonstrates how collective action, focused investment, and innovative farming practices can substantially change the landscape of agriculture in Ghana. For a sustainable future, it will be vital that the government and relevant stakeholders prioritize the establishment of resilient agricultural systems, invest in climate-smart technologies, and support local farmers. By doing so, they can foster a more secure food supply, enhance the livelihoods of farmers, and tackle the overarching challenges posed by climate change in the agricultural sector.
