Three farmer-based organizations have urged the government to consider investing in agro-ecology. According to them, this will help smallholder farmers in the northern region cope with the effects of climate change.

These organizations include the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG); the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD); Ghana National Sesame Business Farmers Association.

The organizations presented a petition to the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in Bolgatanga. This came after a march in the township to raise public awareness about the importance of adopting agro-ecological practices and principles.

As part of the sensitization exercise, the members walked through the principal streets of Bolgatanga and displayed placards.

Some of the placards read: “agro-ecology reduces the impact of climate change; develop Ghana beyond aid by investing in agro-ecology.

“Agro-ecology is the best way to sustainable food production and rural development; stop bush burning; protect biodiversity; Go agro-ecology.”

The need to invest in agro-ecology

Agro-ecology is a sustainable farming that works with nature, using organic material to fertilize the soil and preserve the natural vegetation.

Specifically, the petition stated that there had been limited investment nationwide to combat climate change, to ensure environmental sustainability; to improve incorporation of indigenous knowledge in farming. As a result, this had contributed to deforestation, depletion of biodiversity and poor agricultural performance in recent times. Also, the document pointed out that the current farming practices coupled with mining activities and population growth had an adverse impact on forest landscapes.

“The Northern Ghana is almost like a desert; all the tree cover and the vegetation has vanished. The rainfall pattern is erratic and inconsistent, high temperatures and emergence of pest and diseases.”

The organizations therefore called on government to redirect investment priority towards promoting agro-ecological farming in the country.

“We recommend investment n technologies that focus on recognizing, preserving and utilizing appropriate traditional and indigenous knowledge.”

Also, the farmers urged government to subsidize simple mechanization services and water pumping machines to enhance dry season gardening and livestock. Furthermore, they urged government to allocate a budget towards completing and desilting dams constructed under the ‘one village one dam’ project.

Moreover, the Upper East Regional focal person for PFAG, Mr John Akaribo, expressed hope that the document would be treated with much attention.

Receiving the petition, the Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr Francis Ennor, assured the group that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate offices for further engagement. He then reiterated government’s commitment to growing the agricultural sector.