Dr. Doris Yaa Osei of the CSIR highlights the serious implications of climate change for agriculture during the National Farmers’ Day celebration. She advocates for climate-resilient practices to enhance food security amid changing weather patterns. Emphasizing the need for national awareness and policy interventions, she calls for measures to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imports, considering agriculture’s significant role in Ghana’s economy.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, the Acting Deputy Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Animal Research Institute, has issued a warning regarding the urgent issue of climate change and its potential detrimental effects on agriculture and food security. Speaking at the National Farmers’ Day celebration in Adentan, Accra, Dr. Osei stressed the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices, given the increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns threatening crop and livestock productivity. She highlighted that climate change poses critical challenges to food availability and the livelihoods of many in the community. Dr. Osei suggested adopting drought-resistant crops, implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, improving water use through efficient irrigation systems, and employing suitable farming techniques. These initiatives are aimed at minimizing losses in both crop yields and livestock feed resources. According to a recent study led by Dr. Kwame Oppong-Anane, climate change has progressively worsened over the past three decades in the Kwahu Afram Plains region and is projected to increase in severity if no policy changes or behavioral adjustments occur in society. Dr. Osei called for a unified national effort to raise awareness about climate change causes and potential mitigation strategies, urging both governmental and non-governmental organizations to take action. She emphasized the importance of enhancing local food production to reduce dependence on imports, citing that in 2022, the nation imported 288,944 metric tons of meat at a cost of 3,126 million Ghana Cedis, roughly equivalent to 563 million US Dollars. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s economy, contributing over a third of the GDP and providing employment to more than half of the workforce, which underscores the need for a stronger focus on sustainable practices that can boost productivity and support local farmers. In conclusion, the call to action presented by Dr. Osei highlights the urgency for adopting innovative agricultural practices in the face of climate change. By fostering a collective awareness and integrating climate-smart strategies, it is possible to enhance food security and ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s agricultural sector amidst evolving environmental challenges.
The article addresses the critical issue of climate change and its ramifications for agriculture and food security in Ghana, underscoring the need for urgent intervention. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, but it faces threats from changing climate patterns. Dr. Doris Yaa Osei articulates the challenges posed by unpredictable weather, which threatens farming practices and, consequently, food availability. Reviewing recent research findings, she highlights the progressive impacts of climate change over three decades, emphasizing the importance of adaptive agricultural techniques to mitigate these effects.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei’s remarks underscore the pressing need for climate-smart agriculture practices to combat the effects of climate change on food security in Ghana. Through national awareness and the implementation of efficient agricultural strategies, it is possible to enhance productivity and reduce reliance on meat imports, thereby strengthening the local economy. The future of Ghana’s agricultural sector depends on a proactive approach in addressing climate-related challenges.
Original Source: dailyguidenetwork.com
