Farmers in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region are facing growing uncertainty as erratic rainfall patterns disrupt the minor farming season, raising fears of widespread crop losses.
Traditionally, rainfall in late August sustains crops like maize and groundnuts, but this year’s unexpected dry spell has left fields parched and farmers anxious. Some believe the rains have ended prematurely, while others cling to the hope of a rebound.
“We planted maize and groundnuts expecting the usual rainfall, but now it’s almost dry. If it doesn’t rain in the next week or two, we may lose everything,” lamented Kwame Adjei, a farmer from Dodo Amanfrom.
For others, cautious optimism remains. Abena Konadu, a farmer from Cocoa Market, noted; “The weather has been unpredictable in recent years, but sometimes the rains return even in early September. We are praying and still hoping.”
The inconsistency is not only threatening crops already planted but also disrupting agricultural planning. Some farmers have delayed sowing, fearing wasted inputs if rains do not return soon.
The ripple effects could include lower yields, reduced household incomes, and heightened food insecurity in the region.
Agricultural experts warn that climate variability is deepening these risks. Solomon Lotsu, an agriculturist in Kadjebi, urged calm but acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
“Climate change is making weather patterns less predictable. We advise farmers to consider short-maturing crop varieties and adopt soil moisture conservation techniques. We are ready to support them with information and resources,” he explained.
Mr. Lotsu, also Project Officer at Kumad/Afarinick Company Limited, a farm service firm specialised in cocoa rehabilitation, added that the intensity of the sunshine may signal incoming rains, though the timing remains uncertain.
The situation in Kadjebi reflects wider challenges across Ghana’s agriculture sector, where smallholder farmers remain vulnerable to climate shocks.
Experts stress the need for improved access to timely weather forecasts, drought-resistant seeds, and sustainable farming practices to build resilience.
Without urgent interventions, farmers’ livelihoods and food supply chains risk being destabilised by increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns.
