Ghana: Drought conditions in the northern zone hit grains sector hardest

Dry spells and drought conditions have affected 1.8 million hectares of agricultural land in the country, resulting in crop revenue losses amounting to some GH¢22.2billion for 2023 and 2024. Data from the Ghana Grains Council (GGC) suggest the Northern and Savannah Regions – which are responsible for a significant portion of the country’s maize, millet, sorghum and rice – were hit hardest. Maize yields fell by 35 percent and rice production by 25 percent, with millet and sorghum yields dropping by some 20 percent this year. The situation’s gravity cannot be downplayed, especially when we consider the fact that maize alone accounts for half of the country’s total cereal production – with over two million smallholder farmers depending on corn for their livelihoods. Despite opportunities, the gain sector faces several challenges – including low productivity, inconsistent access to inputs for farmers, exposure to global market fluctuations and climate variability, among others. ...