The Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the “near extinction” of Agricultural Extension Officers in the region, warning that years of neglect and inadequate logistical support have crippled extension services.
Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Alhaji Zakaria said the current extension officer–farmer ratio has worsened to one officer for every 1,500 farmers—far above the globally accepted standard of 1:500. The situation, he said, has created a widening knowledge gap among farmers and is undermining efforts to modernize agriculture and improve productivity.
According to him, the shortage of personnel and lack of essential working tools—such as motorbikes, demonstration kits and training logistics—have severely limited officers’ ability to reach remote farming communities.
“Our extension system has suffered neglect for many years,” he said. “Many officers have retired, and very few are being recruited. Without adequate tools and manpower, farmers will continue to rely on outdated practices, which affects yields and resilience.”
Despite the challenges, Alhaji Zakaria expressed optimism about the government’s proposed Farmer Service Centres (FSCs), an initiative designed to provide farmers with technical support, machinery services, inputs and advisory assistance in a more structured and accessible way.
He said that if the FSCs are properly implemented and closely monitored, they could significantly reduce the extension gap, boost productivity and encourage the adoption of improved agricultural technologies.
“The Farmer Service Centres, when effectively rolled out, can complement the work of extension officers,” he said. “They can become hubs where farmers receive training and practical support, thereby bridging longstanding knowledge gaps.”
Farmers across the Upper East Region continue to grapple with climate change pressures, rising input costs and post-harvest losses. Strengthening extension services, Alhaji Zakaria noted, is essential to achieving food security and sustaining livelihoods.
His remarks add to growing national calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s agricultural extension system to keep pace with modern farming and technological advancements.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
