Agriculture and Food Security: Mahama’s Vision for a Modernized Agricultural Economy
By Prof. Samuel Lartey
Introduction
Agriculture has long been the bedrock of Ghana’s economy, providing livelihoods for nearly half of the population and contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As of 2022, agriculture accounted for approximately 20% of Ghana’s GDP and employed about 44% of the labor force, underscoring its critical role in the nation’s economic stability and development. Despite its importance, the sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and increasing vulnerability to climate change. These issues have hampered the sector’s growth, with agricultural productivity remaining stagnant over the past decade. For instance, Ghana’s cereal yield has remained around 1.6 tons per hectare, significantly lower than the global average of 3.9 tons per hectare.
John Dramani Mahama, the NDC 2024 Flag Bearer and former President of Ghana, recognizes the urgent need to address these challenges. Drawing on his previous experience in office (2012-2017), Mahama has laid out an ambitious plan to modernize Ghana’s agricultural economy, positioning it for sustainable growth and resilience in the face of future challenges. During his previous tenure, Mahama launched the Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (GASIP) aimed at improving agricultural productivity and value chains. However, the sector’s performance has continued to be hampered by systemic issues, including insufficient investment in infrastructure such as irrigation, storage facilities, and rural roads.
Mahama’s 2024 vision for agriculture is centered on three key pillars: technology, value addition, and food security. Recognizing the role of technology in enhancing agricultural productivity, Mahama plans to invest in digital and precision farming technologies that can help farmers increase their yields and manage resources more efficiently. According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, less than 10% of Ghanaian farmers currently use any form of modern technology, highlighting a significant opportunity for growth.
In terms of value addition, Mahama’s plan includes a robust strategy to develop agro-processing industries that can transform raw agricultural products into high-value goods, thereby increasing farmers’ incomes and reducing post-harvest losses, which stood at an estimated 30% for staple crops like maize in 2021. By promoting value addition, Mahama aims to reduce Ghana’s reliance on raw commodity exports and create more jobs within the agricultural value chain.
Food security is another critical aspect of Mahama’s agricultural agenda. With climate change posing a growing threat to food production, Mahama proposes the implementation of climate-smart agriculture practices and the expansion of irrigation schemes to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture. As of 2023, only about 3% of Ghana’s arable land was under irrigation, leaving the country highly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns. Mahama’s plan seeks to increase this figure substantially, ensuring that Ghana can produce enough food to meet the needs of its growing population while also maintaining food reserves to cushion against future shocks.
This feature explores Mahama’s vision for transforming Ghana’s agriculture, delving into the specific policies and initiatives that aim to ensure sustainable growth and resilience. As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, the future of the agricultural sector will be a pivotal issue, with far-reaching implications for the economy and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
Modernizing Agriculture through Technology and Digitalization
At the heart of Mahama’s agricultural policy is the goal of building a modernized agricultural economy driven by technology and digitalization. The use of advanced farming techniques, digital tools, and data-driven decision-making is crucial for increasing productivity and ensuring that Ghana’s agriculture can compete on a global scale.
Mahama’s plan includes the establishment of farmer service centers in every district, providing farmers with access to modern implements, training, and support services. These centers will serve as hubs for innovation, where farmers can learn about new technologies and practices that can help them increase their yields and improve the quality of their produce.
Promoting Agribusiness and Value Addition
In addition to modernizing primary agriculture, Mahama’s policy emphasizes the importance of value addition and agribusiness. By establishing processing facilities for key crops such as cocoa, cashew, and tomatoes, Mahama aims to ensure that Ghana benefits more from its agricultural output. This approach not only increases the value of agricultural products but also creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in rural areas.
Mahama also plans to revive the concept of school farms, with the produce used to feed students. This initiative serves a dual purpose: promoting self-sufficiency in food production and providing practical agricultural education to young people. By instilling a strong agricultural ethic in the next generation, Mahama’s plan ensures the sustainability of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Ensuring Food Security and Reducing Imports
Food security is a critical issue for any nation, and Mahama’s agricultural policy is designed to make Ghana self-sufficient in basic staples. By launching a program similar to the “Operation Feed Yourself and Industries” initiative of the early 1970s, Mahama aims to reduce the country’s reliance on food imports and improve the nutritional status of its citizens.
This program will involve supporting farmers with the resources and training they need to increase production, as well as promoting the use of climate-resilient crop varieties. In addition, Mahama plans to apply the Price Stabilization Levy for its intended purpose of cushioning petroleum consumers, which will help reduce the cost of farming inputs and make food production more affordable.
Investing in Infrastructure and Supporting Farmers
Infrastructure is a key enabler of agricultural growth, and Mahama’s plan includes significant investments in this area. The completion of the Tamne irrigation project, the construction of the Pwalugu dam, and the establishment of fish storage facilities are just a few examples of the infrastructure projects that Mahama intends to prioritize.
These investments will help farmers to increase their productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and access markets more easily. Mahama also plans to establish a comprehensive agricultural insurance scheme to protect farmers from unpredictable climate conditions and economic shocks. This insurance scheme will provide a safety net for farmers, enabling them to invest in their farms with confidence.
Conclusion
John Dramani Mahama’s agricultural policy is a bold and forward-looking plan that seeks to transform Ghana’s agriculture into a modern, resilient, and productive sector. By leveraging technology, promoting value addition, ensuring food security, and investing in infrastructure, Mahama aims to create a sustainable agricultural economy that can support Ghana’s development for generations to come. With the right leadership and a clear vision, Ghana’s agricultural sector has the potential to become a cornerstone of the nation’s prosperity, providing food, jobs, and economic growth for all.
