Agricultural experts and civil society advocates are urging government to adopt a national agroecology policy, arguing that it could be the game-changer in Ghana’s quest for sustainable farming, climate resilience, and food sovereignty.
The call was made at a national dialogue on sustainable agriculture, hosted by the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD), to review findings from a study on perceptions of agroecology and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Ghana.
The study revealed widespread confusion among stakeholders, with agroecology and CSA often used interchangeably.
Experts, however, stressed that the distinction matters because the concepts shape how policies are designed and how farmers are supported.
Agroecology over CSA for Smallholders
Dr. Kwadjo Gyasi Santo, Senior Lecturer in Agronomy at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, argued that while both CSA and agroecology promote sustainability, agroecology is better suited for Ghana’s farming reality.
“Agroecology can exist within climate-smart agriculture. But given that most of our farmers are smallholders, agroecology offers greater benefits. It conserves biodiversity, increases yields, and protects the environment,” he said.
Tackling Labour and Cost Challenges
One of the criticisms often leveled against agroecology is that it is more labour-intensive. But advocates say locally designed innovations are already addressing this challenge.
Madam Freda Pigru, Communications Coordinator for Groundswell International, pointed to farmer-led initiatives in northern Ghana that are developing simple tools and bio-inputs to reduce workloads, particularly for women, while boosting productivity.
On the question of affordability, she dismissed claims that agroecological produce is inherently expensive.
“Conventional agriculture appears cheaper because it has long been treated as the norm. If agroecological production becomes widespread and receives policy support, costs will drop and consumers won’t pay more. What we normalize determines what is expensive or cheap,” she explained.
Policy Lessons from Africa
Mr. Wilberforce Laate, Deputy Executive Director of CIKOD, emphasized the urgency of a policy framework, citing Uganda and Togo as examples of countries that have adopted national agroecology policies.
“Concepts matter. They shape the problems we recognize and the solutions we pursue. A national agroecology policy would give Ghana clarity and direction, and drive a more sustainable farming system,” he said.
Beyond Input-Heavy Farming
Experts underscored that agroecology not only promotes environmentally friendly practices but also integrates traditional knowledge, strengthens community food security, and reduces dependence on costly chemical inputs.
“If Ghana wants a truly sustainable path for its agriculture, agroecology must be prioritized. It is not just about farming techniques, it is about building resilience for our food systems and rural communities,” Mr. Laate added.
The dialogue ended with a strong appeal to government to elevate agroecology from scattered initiatives into national policy.
Nonetheless, advocates believe that such a step would empower smallholder farmers, improve biodiversity, and position Ghana as a leader in sustainable agriculture on the continent.
