CSIR Director advocates for digital technology integration to avert food insecurity
Dr. Wilhelmina Quaye, Director of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has called for the integration of digital technology into agriculture as a crucial measure to prevent food insecurity in Ghana. She emphasized that leveraging digital tools, particularly those providing accurate weather information, would enable farmers to build resilience against climate change.
Speaking at a policy dialogue on “Enhancing Farmers’ Uptake of Digital Technologies Through Empirical Research, Innovation, and Policy Intervention Project” held in Accra, Dr. Quaye underscored the importance of digital technologies in transforming agriculture. The event featured discussions and presentations highlighting the benefits of digital tools for farmers.
Dr. Quaye pointed out that incorporating data-driven technologies would significantly enhance decision-making for farmers by providing real-time information on market pricing and agricultural extension services. She noted, “The increasing use of data technologies is reshaping several sectors of the economy, including agriculture. In agriculture, it is improving productivity, efficiency, and the sustainability of how food is grown, processed, and marketed.”
In the context of Ghana, where agriculture plays a vital role, Dr. Quaye stressed that digital technologies could help farmers overcome challenges such as limited access to agricultural extension services. Her comments are particularly relevant as the country faces a potential drought due to the lack of rainfall in the Northern region.
However, Dr. Quaye also identified barriers to the widespread adoption of digital technologies among Ghanaian farmers, including high internet costs and inadequate information technology infrastructure. She urged the government and digital service providers to offer targeted training to improve farmers’ digital literacy. Additionally, she called on the government, private sector, investors, and donors to increase investments in ICT infrastructure and to make digital technologies more affordable and user-friendly.
During the event, Mr. John Kpodoviah, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, expressed concerns over the Ministry’s high attrition rate, which has severely impacted the delivery of agricultural support services to farmers. He highlighted the role of digital services in mitigating the effects of the staffing shortage caused by the high attrition rate. Ms. Céline Prud’Homme Madsen, Programme Manager at the European Union, also urged the government to strengthen policies that promote the use of digital technology among farmers. The event included panel discussions on how digital systems can be utilized to enhance food security in the country.
