Small-Scale Farming Over-Romanticized; Support Commercial Farming for Food Security – Dr. Gideon Agbley
Ghana’s agricultural sector is at a conundrum and it’s time to shift focus. Despite having 40% of its population engaged in agriculture, the country still struggles to achieve food security and economic growth.
According to Dr. Gideon Kofi Agbley, a Senior Lecturer at SSD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in Wa, the problem lies in the overreliance on smallholder farming.
Dr. Agbley’s assertion is backed by startling statistics. While smallholder farmers dominate Ghana’s agricultural landscape, only about 7% of farmers are engaged in medium and large-scale farming. This imbalance stifles agricultural productivity and perpetuates food insecurity.
The Senior lecturer advocates for a paradigm shift, urging the government to focus on medium and large-scale commercial agriculture. This approach he said, would attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. By creating incentives for commercial farmers, the government can make agriculture more appealing to Ghana’s middle class.
Small-scale farmers often receive excessive government support, yet lack the technology and economies of scale needed to accelerate development. Dr. Agbley suggests that support should be redirected to medium and large-scale farmers, enabling them to adopt modern technologies and boost productivity.
Author, a Senior journalist and an African American domicile in Las Vegas, Keidi Awadu highlights Africa’s vast agricultural potential. He reiterated, that with 2.16 billion acres (874 million hectares) of land, the continent could feed 12.9 billion people if cultivated efficiently. However, structural challenges, including rural-urban migration and lack of modern technology, hinder agricultural development.
Addressing these challenges on the Monday edition of Dominion TV’s Wake-Up Africa morning show with Korku Lumor, Dr. Agbley and Keidi Awadu emphasized on the need for rural development, thus help curb rural-urban migration to retain the workforce in agricultural areas, adoption of modern technology in boosting productivity and food security in Africa and called for a special incentive for commercial farmers which will go a long way to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.
As Ghana and Africa strive for agricultural prosperity, it’s clear that a new approach is needed. By shifting focus towards medium and large-scale commercial agriculture, supporting rural development, and adopting modern technology, the continent can unlock its vast agricultural potential and ensure food security and economic growth for generations to come.
Wake Up Africa morning show on Dominion TV is currently Ghana’s Premier Morning Television Program. It’s the flagship show and hosted by the charismatic duo Korku Lumor and Precious Bia Dela. The Wake Up Africa morning show is revolutionizing how Ghanaians and Africans start their day.
This inspiring program sparks domestic and continental conversations with insightful discussions on current affairs, health, fitness, entertainment, and more. It airs weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:00 am GMT to promote Ghanaian and African culture, values, and talents.
With a strong focus on Africa’s geopolitical dynamics and impactful global/domestic stories, Wake Up Africa distinguishes itself among African morning television programs.
Source: Sharon Frimpomaa Opoku
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