GH¢1.18bn Agric Investment in Danger as Drought Hits Middle and Northern Belt

Over GH¢1.18 billion worth of agricultural investments in Ghana’s middle and northern belts are under serious threat due to a severe drought affecting these regions. The Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) has revealed that this substantial investment, made by farmers across these areas, is now at risk as weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a warning that areas within the country’s transition zone are expected to experience prolonged dry spells this year, potentially leading to a severe drought. This alarming forecast has raised concerns among farmers and agricultural stakeholders about the future of their crops and livelihoods.

In response to the looming crisis, GMet has advised farmers to take proactive measures, such as investing in improved seed varieties and adopting yield enhancement techniques for both food and cash crops. These strategies are aimed at mitigating the impact of the drought and ensuring some level of crop production despite the challenging conditions.

For farmers in areas likely to experience normal to above-normal rainfall, late season start dates, and short dry spells—particularly in the East Coast regions like Cape Coast and Ada—GMet recommends focusing on short-maturing crops. This approach is intended to help farmers make the most of the limited rainfall and avoid significant losses.

The Ghana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has also called on the government to prioritize irrigation and the adoption of technological interventions in agriculture. With climate change increasingly disrupting traditional farming practices, GAWU emphasizes the need for modern solutions to safeguard the country’s agricultural sector.

GIRSAL, which plays a critical role in supporting farmers by providing guarantees for loans from banks, has so far aided 34,000 farmers in various agricultural projects. However, with the current drought conditions, these investments are at risk, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to protect the sector from the adverse effects of climate change.

As the nation braces for the potential impact of this drought, the focus remains on finding innovative and sustainable ways to support farmers and ensure food security in Ghana.