Unlocking Ghana’s Agricultural technology potential
Unlocking Ghana’s Agricultural technology potential
Unlocking Ghana’s Agricultural technology potential
The world today is developing at a rate faster than forecast, especially, on the wheels of technology. As the world economy would have it, technology has set the stage for disruptive innovation and practices fueling the enhancement of various sectors, while creating exceptional returns for stakeholders.
Although one of the oldest industries in the world, the use of advanced technology like the Internet of Things (IOT) in the Agricultural industry is powering what we now call “The Fourth Agricultural Revolution”.
According to Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo/ Deputy minister for Crops said, Agricultural technology, also known as Agritech/Agtech, involves the application of technology on a broad spectrum to maximize efficiency, quality, profitability and yield in agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture. It spans the use of automated machinery (like combine harvesters and tractors) and farm management software on one end of the spectrum, to the more complex use of genetic engineering and agricultural robotics on the other end.
Simply put, Agritech seeks to develop and harmonize farming practices and cultivation processes from “farm to fork”. As such, its role in a developing economy like Ghana’s in ensuring food security is of critical importance.
Emerging Agricultural Technology Trends
He said, the world’s population is estimated to reach 9.8 billion by 2050 according to a United Nation’s report. What this means is, we will have approximately 2 billion extra mouths to feed in less than thirty years. Experts predict that the world will need 70% more protein to feed the future population than it currently holds. As such, in our bid to secure a sustainable future and ensure food security, agriculture cannot rely only on traditional farming methods.
AgriTech startups are springing up all over the world deploying IOT devices, drones, and other farm management systems to garner information resulting in the use of AI and Data Analysis to make data-driven decisions for farmers.
He said, For decades, agriculture has been the backbone of Ghana’s economy providing a livelihood for a significant portion of the populace. Agriculture is diverse, encompassing crop cultivation, livestock farming, fisheries, and agroforestry.
Despite its significance to the GDP of the country, the sector faces many challenges mostly in outdated farming practices, limited to no access to modern technologies as well as the impact of climate change. Gladly, there is a current growing recognition of the need for a transformation in the sector to enhance productivity, ensure food security for the future and boost the overall economic development of the country.
Several indicators suggest that Ghana is on the brink of an agricultural transformation, albeit the road ahead is not without obstacles.
The government has confirmed its commitment to agricultural development through initiatives like the Planting for Food and Jobs program which aims to increase food production, create jobs, and enhance farmer incomes. However, sustained efforts are required to address systemic administrative and monitoring issues plaguing such programs and ensure their long-term sustainability and success.
