As part of efforts to strengthen food security in the country, the Ghana Statistical Service in collaboration with the World Food Programme is set to embark on a comprehensive national study on food security and its related vulnerabilities.
The study is primarily aimed at identifying vulnerable populations and specific areas in the country prone to food insecurity which will require critical interventions to deal with the situation.
Among other activities, the Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment (CFSVA) will gather relevant data on food security at the household level.
Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Anim says the data and insight gained from the study will be the cornerstone that will guide the government, policymakers, and stakeholders to properly appreciate the dynamics of food security issues in the country and make informed decisions to address the menace.
Professor Anim noted that the partnership between the Ghana Statistical Service and the World Food Programme (WFP) on this project is part of broader “efforts geared at ensuring a convergence across different statistical measures of food self-sufficiency, food security, food insecurity, and nutrition.”
On her part, the Country Director of the World Food Program, Ms. Barbara Clemens, also indicated that “ensuring food security and improving nutrition in Ghana is not just a commitment, but a necessity for sustainable development. The generation of robust evidence is vital in guiding our interventions and shaping policies that make a tangible difference and optimizing our impact, especially at a time when resources are increasingly shrinking. WFP’s collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Services is pivotal in this effort, as it allows us to leverage accurate data and insights to better understand the challenges and opportunities in food security and nutrition across the country.”
A report by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 2022 revealed that, in terms of the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in Ghana, 12.9 million people representing 39.4% of the total population were affected.
An earlier Food Insecurity Report by the Ghana Statistical Service in 2023 also revealed about 8.4 million Ghanaians went a day without food.
The Sustainable Development Goal 2 talks about Zero Hunger. As part of the specific objectives, countries have committed to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. With 6 years to 2030, it is anticipated this study will accelerate efforts and propel Ghana to achieve this target.
