A former agricultural officer and chief research assistant at the Environmental Science Department of C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Joseph Aminini Akansor, has expressed deep concern over the persistently low crop yields in northern Ghana, attributing the problem to poor planning, limited access to agricultural information, and weak institutional support.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Akansor said that seasonal planning failures are among the leading reasons farmers experience poor harvests year after year.
“Over the years, we have failed to plan for the seasons, and that is the major reason why some farmers don’t make it,” he said.
90% of Farmers Disappointed After Each Season
Mr. Akansor referenced a 2019 research study conducted at CKT-UTAS, which revealed that about 90 percent of farmers in the region return from each farming season disappointed due to low productivity. The study identified lack of adequate planning as the most significant factor contributing to these poor outcomes.
“The findings suggest that 90 percent of the farmers who go into production come back disappointed because of low yields, and that was strongly attributed to the planning process,” he explained.
Unpredictable Weather and Lack of Timely Information
The expert also highlighted climate unpredictability as a growing challenge. He noted that early rains in 2025 caught many farmers off guard, particularly those who had not yet prepared their fields. He linked this problem to poor access to real-time agricultural information, which hampers farmers’ ability to adapt to changing weather patterns.
“Farmers need access to timely, accurate information to make informed decisions. Without it, they’re always playing catch-up,” he said.
Shift to Hybrid Seeds and Smart Agriculture Urged
Mr. Akansor emphasized the importance of adopting improved seed varieties and smart agriculture practices to increase yields.
“We are preaching smart agriculture. Smart agriculture will tell you to use improved seeds,” he stated.
He warned that many farmers still rely on outdated or traditional seeds, which are not suited for modern challenges like erratic rainfall and degraded soils. He encouraged a move toward climate-smart agriculture that promotes innovation, efficiency, and resilience.
Soil Fertility Declining Across Northern Ghana
Soil samples collected from the five northern regions have revealed a significant decline in soil fertility, Mr. Akansor disclosed. He advised farmers to apply appropriate fertilizers to replenish nutrients and increase productivity.
“It’s established beyond reasonable doubt that our soils have lost considerable fertility, and so we have to use fertilizers,” he said.
Proper Land Measurement and Tractor Use Needed
He also underscored the importance of accurate land measurement, effective ploughing techniques, and engagement with skilled tractor operators. These, he said, are critical components of serious, business-minded farming.
“We advise farmers to actually treat farming as a business. Get a tractor operator who knows how to plough well, and always seek agricultural information,” he advised.
Shortage of Agricultural Extension Officers Hurting Farmers
A major bottleneck identified by Mr. Akansor is the shortage of agricultural extension officers. The high farmer-to-extension officer ratio means that many farmers do not receive the expert guidance they need to implement modern practices.
“There are many trained extension agents who are home and unemployed. They’ve graduated from agricultural colleges and are ready to serve,” he said.
He called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to recruit more extension agents and introduce a national deployment system, similar to that used for teachers, to ensure consistent support for farmers across the country.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga