Editorial: Government Must Go To The Aid Of Northern Farmers

Farmers at Naabogu in the Northern Region are losing investment on their farms due to the dry spell being experienced in the area. They have appealed to the government, NGOs and Philanthropists to support them to sustain their livelihoods. The farmers counted their losses in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and decried the devastating impact of the situation on their incomes.

Mr. Mahamoud Mohammed, a maize farmer, said he was distressed over the present state of his four-acre maize farm, which had been severely affected by the nearly two-month drought.

He said the farm was his major source of income in which he invested all his finances and had expected to reap a bumper harvest and called on well-meaning citizens to come to the aid of farmers in the area, saying they needed urgent help to feed themselves and their families.

Mr. Mohammed said although he had other farms in the Kumbungu District, they had also been affected by the same situation.

Mr. Imoro Abdul-Rahman, another maize farmer, appealed to the government to help engage farmers in other income-generating activities worthy of initiative to salvage them from further financial stress, as their crops were already damaged and could not be recovered even if it rained. The dry spell has wreaked havoc on crucial crops like maize, millet and sorghum, which are staples for many Ghanaians and integral to the national economy.

It is alarming that, in the 21st century, Ghana faces agricultural challenges reminiscent of earlier centuries.

Despite progress in various sectors, agriculture appears to be lagging behind, with policy implementations often falling short. The recurring issue of drought and its impact on food production highlight a critical failure to address long-standing problems in agricultural infrastructure and resilience.

Ghana’s reliance on imported corn, evidenced by the US$18.6 million spent in 2022, demonstrates a significant gap between domestic production and consumption needs.

In the Northern Region, where most farming is rain-fed, the absence of rain, this year, has been catastrophic. Crops have been destroyed, and with them, the income and food security of countless families. The potential for widespread hunger looms large and the situation could worsen if immediate steps are not taken.

This crisis calls for a swift and coordinated response from the government, NGOs and philanthropists. These farmers need immediate assistance to survive the coming months – financial support, food aid and access to alternative livelihoods.

However, addressing the immediate needs is only the beginning. We must also look to the future and find ways to protect farmers from similar disasters. This includes investing in irrigation systems, promoting drought-resistant crops and adopting climate-smart farming practices. Farmers must be equipped to deal with the increasing unpredictability of the weather, which is only expected to worsen with climate change.

The dry spell in Naabogu is not just a local issue; it is a warning for the entire country. Agriculture is the backbone of Ghana’s economy and the livelihoods of millions depend on it. If we do not take steps now to build resilience into our farming practices, we risk seeing more regions fall into crisis.

The government must take the lead in providing immediate relief and implementing long-term strategies to support our farmers. NGOs, Philanthropists and the private sector should also play their part in offering support.

These farmers are the backbone of our food supply and their survival is crucial to the well-being of our nation. Now is the time to act.

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