Dr. Doris Yaa Osei has raised concerns over climate change threats to agriculture in Ghana, highlighting its impact on food security. She recommends the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and efficient irrigation systems, citing a study on worsening climate effects. She urges national awareness campaigns and local food production to reduce imports, emphasizing the economic significance of the agricultural sector in Ghana’s GDP and employment.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, the Acting Deputy Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Animal Research Institute, has issued a profound warning regarding the imminent dangers of climate change, affecting agriculture and food security. During her address at the Adentan Municipal Assembly’s National Farmers’ Day celebration, she emphasized that climate change is creating perilous conditions through erratic rainfall patterns, which threaten food security and the livelihoods of farmers. She articulated that the ongoing climate emergencies pose serious risks to crop production and livestock feeds, further exacerbated by potential bush fires, which could hinder agricultural productivity. To combat these challenges, she advocated for the adoption of drought-resistant crops, climate-smart agricultural practices, and efficient irrigation systems which would enable farmers to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability while sustaining production. Dr. Osei referenced a recent study conducted in the Kwahu Afram Plains that revealed worsening climate change impacts over the past three decades, indicating a need for policy changes and the adoption of climate-smart technologies to improve resilience. She urged national awareness campaigns on climate change causes and mitigation strategies, emphasizing collaborative efforts by government and non-governmental organizations to alleviate its impact on agriculture. Additionally, she called upon her fellow citizens to enhance local food production to reduce the dependency on imports, citing significant financial burdens associated with meat imports. For instance, Ghana imported almost 289,000 metric tons of meat in 2022, costing approximately 563 million U.S. dollars. Since agriculture comprises over one-third of Ghana’s GDP and employs more than half the population, Dr. Osei reiterated the necessity of enhancing local agricultural outputs through sustained investment efforts.
The discussion on climate change and its impact on agriculture is critical in Ghana, where agriculture forms a substantial part of the economy. The sector not only contributes significantly to the national GDP but also serves as a prime source of employment. In light of the increasingly erratic climate conditions observed over the previous decades, the agricultural sector faces substantial threats that necessitate urgent interventions to ensure food security and sustainability for the populace. Climate change affects rainfall patterns, which are vital for crop production, and poses risks to livestock management and rural livelihoods.
In summary, Dr. Doris Yaa Osei has highlighted the urgent need for action against the looming threats of climate change on agriculture in Ghana. By promoting the adoption of climate-smart practices and fostering national awareness about the impacts of climate change, it is possible to mitigate these challenges. This is essential not only for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity but also for enhancing national food security and reducing the economic burdens of food imports.
Original Source: dailyguidenetwork.com
