The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) is set to recruit 400 new agricultural extension agents and deploy an additional 10,000 National Service personnel to close Ghana’s longstanding extension gap and improve farmer productivity across the country.
The move comes as extension coverage remains far below global best practice. Ghana’s current ratio stands at roughly 1 extension officer to 1,500 farmers, compared to the recommended 1:500 required for effective guidance on modern farming, climate adaptation and technology adoption.
MoFA says bridging this gap has become urgent as climate variability, rising input costs and low yields threaten national food security.
According to Ministry officials, the recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to rebuild human capacity in frontline agricultural services after years of limited hiring.
Many officers have retired without replacement, leaving entire communities without technical support. The new cohort of officers will be deployed to districts with the widest service gaps and highest production potential.
The addition of 10,000 National Service personnel is expected to further expand reach, particularly in remote communities where farmers struggle to access agronomic advice.
These personnel will undergo specialised short courses in crop management, climate-smart practices, digital data collection and farmer engagement before deployment. MoFA says the training will ensure they complement full-time officers effectively.
Experts say strengthening agricultural extension is one of the most direct ways to increase yields and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Extension agents serve as the primary channel for transferring modern practices, including proper spacing, fertiliser application, integrated pest management, and post-harvest handling.
In many districts, farmers rely on traditional knowledge that does not match today’s climate patterns, leading to poor germination, pest infestations, and reduced output.
Officials believe that improving extension coverage will enhance the implementation of government programmes, including the seed localisation agenda, mechanisation support, fertiliser delivery and the new agricultural climate intelligence system.
More officers on the ground means faster dissemination of early warning alerts, better data collection and more accurate targeting of input support.
MoFA notes that productivity gains are expected to be significant once the ratio improves. Studies show that regular contact between farmers and extension officers can increase yields by 20 to 40 percent, depending on the crop and location.
For maize, rice and soybean, Ghana’s staple crops, the Ministry projects substantial improvements in both yields and quality as farmers adopt best practices more consistently.
The recruitment drive is also expected to support the development of youth talent within the sector.
The National Service deployment will expose thousands of young people to agricultural careers, equipping them with technical and digital skills needed for future roles in agribusiness, research and farm advisory services.
Officials say this supports Ghana’s goal of building a modern, knowledge-driven agricultural workforce.
Agricultural economists add that improved extension services will strengthen input efficiency, reduce crop losses and contribute to food price stability.
As farmers apply fertilisers correctly, adopt improved seeds and manage pests more effectively, national production levels become more reliable, reducing the need for costly imports.
MoFA is finalising deployment lists and district allocations, with formal recruitment expected to begin early 2026.
The Ministry says the plan reflects its commitment to building a resilient, productive agricultural sector powered by skilled human capital and strong community support systems.
