Agriculture has long been the backbone of human civilization, providing food, raw materials, and livelihoods but with relatively low entry barriers. In Ghana, farming extends beyond an economic activity, it is deeply woven into the nation’s cultural and social fabric. As the country works toward sustainable development and economic resilience, agriculture remains a critical driver of growth, food security, employment, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Dunyo Agbleze, a medical doctor and farmer, shared his perspectives in a recent interview with The High Street Journal.
A Key Driver of Economic Growth
Agriculture plays a fundamental role in Ghana’s economy, contributing around 20% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing employment for nearly 45% of the workforce. It also serves as a major source of foreign exchange, with cash crops such as cocoa, cashew, and shea butter leading the country’s exports.
As the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa, Ghana derives substantial revenue from the crop, while other agricultural activities, including poultry, fisheries, and horticulture, support both domestic consumption and export markets.
The sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.65% through to 2028 to reach an annual value of $3.8bn, with modern farming techniques, greater access to funding and the utilisation of new technologies, such as drones to monitor crops and identify pest infestations, expected to play a key role in the sector’s expansion.
Dr. Agbleze noted that farming remains one of the most accessible economic ventures in Ghana saying that, “farming has low barriers to entry. You don’t need a lot of money to get started, and it doesn’t require a lot of formal education. That’s why it’s something that, if done properly, can easily support the economy.” This accessibility allows many Ghanaians, particularly in rural communities, to earn a living through agriculture, Supporting the economy largely.
Food Security and Nutrition
Ensuring a stable food supply is crucial for national development. Agriculture provides staple crops such as maize, rice, yam, cassava, and plantain, which form the foundation of the local Ghanaian diet. Strengthening food production systems is essential to reducing reliance on imports and mitigating the impact of global price fluctuations. Ghana in recent times has had its food security threathend, leading to high food prices, due to the drought experienced in the Northern part of the country, which also caused some farmers in the poultry business to lament on low feed for their birds. In 2023, the value of imported poultry products reached around GH¢868.8 million, representing approximately 7.7% of the country’s total imports. Additionally, recent figures indicate that the poultry sector contributed about 16% to Ghana’s overall livestock production by 2020.
Dr. Agbleze however, stressed and encouraged the need for self-sufficiency in food production, explaining, “If you are able to produce your own food, then you are not affected by food prices on the global market. For example, if corn prices go up globally, it doesn’t affect you much because you produce your own corn.”
In Ghana, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of import dependency, underscoring the importance of investing in domestic food production.
To enhance food security, Ghana must adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, improve upon irrigation practices, and storage infrastructure, and promote crop diversification. These measures will not only stabilize food supply but also improve nutrition and overall public health.
Mahama’s government is however, planning to revitalize the 1972 “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative to enhance local food production by promoting home gardens, school farms, and farming projects within religious institutions.
Job Creation and Poverty Reduction
Farming remains the largest employment sector in Ghana, particularly in rural areas where alternative job opportunities are scarce. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce, depend on farming for their livelihoods. By improving access to modern farming techniques, financial support, and markets, the sector has the potential to reduce poverty and income inequality.
Despite its potential, the industry faces challenges, particularly regarding labor reliability. Dr. Agbleze highlighted this issue, stating, “Most of the workers are not reliable. They are not committed to their work, which makes it difficult to invest in farming. If you love farming, you have to do everything yourself, learn how to plant, how to grow, and how to manage everything.” Addressing this concern requires better training programs and incentives to enhance productivity and workforce commitment.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Agriculture and the environment are deeply connected, making sustainable practices essential for preserving Ghana’s natural resources. Unsustainable farming methods contribute to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution, threatening long-term agricultural productivity. Ghana for long has seen a fierece battle against Galamsey, which continues to destroy the farm lands and water bodies.
To combat these issues, Ghana must encourage agroecology, conservation farming, and reforestation efforts.
Climate change also presents an additional challenge, with unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and floods impacting crop yields. Dr. Agbleze emphasized the role of irrigation and mechanization in mitigating these effects. “Government should make irrigation more accessible and invest in simple mechanized tools, not necessarily big tractors, but affordable equipment that can make farming easier and reduce manual labor.”
Technology and Innovation in Agriculture
The future of farming in Ghana depends on the adoption of modern technology. Digital tools, such as mobile applications for weather forecasting and market insights, can empower farmers to make better decisions. Mechanization, improved seed varieties, and precision farming techniques can enhance productivity while reducing physical labor demands.
However, Dr. Agbleze cautioned against an overdependence on expensive technology. “What we need is good, affordable equipment that people can use, not necessarily expensive or high-tech solutions.” He also stressed the importance of access to quality inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, to maximize yields and improve food production.
Policy Interventions for Agricultural Growth
Strengthening the agricultural sector requires deliberate policy interventions to support farmers and enhance productivity. Key areas for government action include;
Expanding irrigation infrastructure to ensure reliable water access, particularly in drought-prone regions.
Making mechanized farming equipment more affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers.
Ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs.
Providing education and training programs to equip farmers with modern agricultural techniques.
Farming is more than an economic activity in Ghana, it is a vital industry that sustains millions of livelihoods. As the country works toward achieving the United Nations
Despite the challenges facing the sector, the opportunities are immense. With strategic investments, innovative solutions, and strong policy support, Ghana can unlock the full potential of its agricultural industry. As Dr. Agbleze aptly stated: “Farming, if done properly, can easily support the economy.” By harnessing this potential, the nation can build a more resilient and prosperous future for all.
