Encroachers pose a threat to Farmland in Dodowa

From Prince Opoku Dogbey

Dodowa, a town in the Shai-Osudoku District, is currently facing the growing issue of encroachment on farmlands.

This alarming trend poses a significant threat to agricultural production and food security in the region.

Esinam Akosua Bonsu, the District Director of Agriculture, highlighted the adverse consequences of this encroachment on farmlands.

Such encroachment not only results in the loss of vital agricultural land but also leads to reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, environmental impacts, and economic consequences that collectively hinder agricultural activities.

Bonsu, who recently embarked on a farm tour to assess the concerns of farmers in the district, expressed her concerns.

During the tour, she discovered that the encroachment issue is rapidly escalating and has serious implications for the local agricultural sector.

She explained, “Currently, we are gradually experiencing encroachment on our farmlands. Farmers are losing these lands because of settlers. Also, estate developers pay huge sums of money to farm owners and claim ownership of farmlands.”

Bonsu emphasized the importance of farmers securing ownership of their farmlands by making full payments and erecting protective fences to deter encroachers.

However, she noted that the farmlands in question are not government-owned, making it challenging to combat encroachment.

To address this issue, the agriculture department is collaborating with local community chiefs to find solutions and protect farmlands from further encroachment.

Bonsu further warned that if proactive measures are not taken, Dodowa, with its significant potential for rice, mango, plantain, and cassava cultivation, could lose a substantial portion of its arable land to estate development.

In addition to the threat of encroachment, Bonsu also addressed the challenge of limited agricultural machinery in the area. She emphasized the urgent need for additional machinery; including tractors, combine harvesters, seeders, planters, irrigation systems, harvesters, plows, tillers, and hay balers, to boost agricultural productivity.

According to Bonsu, increasing the availability of farm machinery and inputs would not only enhance crop profitability but also support the country’s drive for industrialization and value addition in the agricultural sector.

Ernest Larweh, an extension officer responsible for approximately 1,800 farmers in the district, expressed concerns over the encroachment issue.

He warned that if immediate actions are not taken, crop production would be significantly affected.

Larweh also stressed the need for subsidies on farm inputs, as the current lack of subsidies makes it difficult for farmers to purchase essential agricultural resources.

 He explained that providing subsidies for farm inputs would not only benefit farmers but also contribute to increased crop profitability and production.

Bernard Bright-Davies, a 57-year-old farmer, welcomed the timely visit by the agriculture department and called for a comprehensive plan to protect farmlands from encroachers.

He emphasized that farming should be recognized as a vital sector for economic growth and development, requiring collective efforts to safeguard its future.