The Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance have outlined swift measures to mitigate the potential food shortage in the country, which has been exacerbated by a two-month drought in eight northern regions.
At a press briefing in Accra on Monday, August 26, 2024, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, stated that these measures were crucial to address growing concerns about food security in the country.
He noted that due to the two-month drought in the northern regions of Northern, Upper East, North East, Savannah, Upper West, Bono, Bono East, and Oti, crops planted in anticipation of the rainy season have been severely impacted. With insufficient moisture, there is a high risk of low yields and potential crop failures.
“We are keenly monitoring the situation in the southern regions which are also experiencing some rainfall disruptions, delaying the onset of the southern sector minor planting season.
The livelihoods, investments and incomes of over 980,000 farmers, cultivating an estimated 1.8m hectares are at risk, and the ripple effects on agricultural value chain actors, such as farm hands, aggregators, processors, traders, transporters, and food supply could be felt across the entire.” Dr. Acheampong added
Dr. Bryan Acheampong has stated that preliminary reports indicate that approximately 928,523 farmers cultivating 1,857,000 hectares of land are at risk due to the ongoing dry spell in Ghana.
He warned that if there is a complete crop failure, these farmers could lose an estimated investment of GHS7.4 billion. Furthermore, the corresponding revenue loss is projected to reach GHS2 billion, representing 10% of the country’s agriculture GDP, which stands at GHS220 billion.
“As at 20th August, 435,872 farmers cultivating an estimated area of 871,745 hectares have been directly affected. Maize, rice, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, millet and yam are the most widely affected crops across these regions. The affected farmers have lost an estimated investment of GHS 5 billion with a corresponding potential revenue loss of GHS10.4 billion.
“This situation prevented some farmers from preparing their farmlands for production, while those who were able to prepare their land could not sow due to the absence of moisture. The farmers who took advantage of the early rains in June have experienced severe water stress on their farms.” Agriculture Minister indicated
Food Shortage
The Food and Agriculture Minister has expressed grave concern over the potential food security implications of the ongoing drought in Ghana. He highlighted that the affected regions contribute approximately 62% of the country’s annual grain supply.
However, during the minor season from September to December, these regions are responsible for supplying approximately 85% of Ghana’s national grain requirements. Given the projected crop failure, the government anticipates a significant shortfall in grain availability. Without timely interventions, this could lead to a nationwide food shortage with severe consequences.
Loss of Farmer Investment and Income
Dr. Acheampong stated that farmers in the affected regions have already incurred investment losses of approximately GHS 3.5 billion, with potential revenue losses estimated at GHS 10.4 billion. Given the extent of the damage and the latest assessments, the Ministry anticipates having to write off over 90% of the expected total production.
This significant loss would result in a combined investment loss of GHS 7.4 billion for farmers and a revenue loss of GHS 22 billion for all affected areas.
Decline in Agriculture GDP
The Agriculture Minister, in a press briefing, stated that the projected production losses due to the drought are expected to result in a 10% decrease in the country’s agriculture GDP.
Security Threat
The Minister of Food and Agriculture warned that without government intervention, the growing unemployment, idleness, and hunger among the youth, coupled with a sense of hopelessness, could create a fertile ground for extremism to spread.
Measures to mitigate food shortage
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance have jointly approved several measures aimed at preventing a food security crisis.
Temporary Ban on grains exports
Dr. Bryan Acheampong announced that with immediate effect, the Government is placing a ban on the export of grains including maize, rice, and soyabean until the situation is resolved. He said this measure is essential to ensure the availability of these critical crops on the domestic market.
Mopping up stock from farmers
The Ministry directed farmers with stock, and interested in selling to contact their District Department of Agriculture, District Aggregators or the Directorate of Crops, MOFA. He said this measure will ensure that farmers do not suffer adversely from this ban.
Procurement of Grains and Poultry Feed
The Ministry also indicated that with the projected shortfall in grain supply, the Government will tap into the ECOWAS Grain Reserve, and partner with the private sector to bridge the gap. Government will also bring in up to 300,000 MT of maize and 150,000 MT of rice, to provide food support to vulnerable farmers who have lost their crop and also for the market. Additionally, we shall bring in a total volume of 26,000 MT of poultry feed to directly support the poultry industry.
Farmer Relief Support
The government has allocated a significant sum of GH¢8 billion to provide relief and implement mitigating measures for farmers affected by the dry spell.
Dr. Amin Adam, the Minister of Finance, announced that the government has stepped in with substantial financial support for these farmers.
The relief package includes cash transfers, as well as the distribution of food and other essential items to affected farmers. Dr. Adam explained that 2.5 billion Cedis out of the total 8 billion will be drawn from the contingency fund, while an additional 2.4 billion Cedis will come from development partners.
He noted that the support from the World Bank will be utilized for cash transfers and the supply of agricultural inputs.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has outlined additional measures to address the crisis, including mobilizing the necessary resources to complete all 13 irrigation projects under the Agriculture Economic Enclaves Programme, as well as finalizing other pending irrigation projects.
