The National Coordinator of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Osei Owusu-Agyeman, has pledged unwavering support for research initiatives spearheaded by the CSIR-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI). During a visit to the SARI Technology Park in Nyankpala, Tolon district, he stressed the critical need for capacity-building programs aimed at developing resilient crop varieties to address the agricultural sector’s pressing challenges.
Mr. Owusu-Agyeman highlighted the importance of attracting youth to commercial agriculture by providing access to modern technologies and high-yielding crop varieties to boost their income potential. He called for the removal of barriers such as lack of access to land, financing, and equipment, which often deter young people from pursuing farming. “Capacity-building programs equip young farmers with the skills to adopt innovative practices, while initiatives like the Technology Park offer hands-on experience to help farmers maximize productivity and sustainability,” he explained.
Transforming Agriculture Through Technology and Youth Engagement
Reflecting on the potential of the Technology Park, Mr. Owusu-Agyeman commended SARI for offering solutions to food security challenges by showcasing innovations that improve productivity. “FSRP is committed to sustaining research efforts, allocating significant resources to foster agricultural innovation, and encouraging a shift toward the commercial aspect of farming, which is the future of agriculture,” he stated in an interview with Hoenyefia Noah Nash.
He emphasized that agriculture, when treated as a business, offers numerous opportunities for job creation along the value chain, from seed production to processing and distribution. He proposed the creation of detailed fact sheets for each agricultural venture—whether pig farming or crop production—highlighting costs, practices, and expected returns to help young people make informed decisions.
“The future of agriculture lies in a commercial approach that does not necessarily require large-scale land ownership. It’s about strategic investments, backed by knowledge and data, to make agriculture attractive and profitable for the next generation,” Mr. Owusu-Agyeman remarked.
The Role of Education in Agricultural Transformation
Mr. Owusu-Agyeman predicted that the introduction of free Senior High School (SHS) education would significantly enhance literacy levels among farmers and youth, opening new pathways for engagement in commercial agriculture. “With improved literacy, young farmers will better understand and apply modern farming techniques, presenting a challenge for policymakers to support their journey,” he added.
SARI Technology Park: A Hub for Agricultural Innovation
Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of SARI, expressed gratitude for the support from CORAF, FSRP, and IREACH in establishing the SARI Technology Park. Opened in June 2024, the park features 74 technological innovations spanning 10 crops, 69 improved varieties, and five agronomic practices. It serves as a demonstration hub for students, farmers, and stakeholders, showcasing climate-resilient crops and practices essential for sustainable agriculture.
“The Technology Park is a platform for sharing cutting-edge solutions for the 2024 cropping season. Through this initiative, we have engaged with key stakeholders, including USAID, the French Ambassador, AGRA, seed producers, and students, to demonstrate the impact of our research on national food security,” Dr. Kusi explained.
Key Highlights of the SARI Technology Park
- Focus Areas: Innovations include improved crop varieties, climate-resilient crops such as millet, maize, cowpea, and integrated soil management practices.
- Stakeholders Engaged: USAID, IITA, AGRA, and various local and international entities have visited the park.
- Funding and Collaboration: Supported by CORAF, FSRP, and IREACH, the park embodies a commitment to agricultural advancement in Northern Ghana.
- Purpose: To enhance knowledge sharing, productivity, and sustainability for farmers, researchers, and students.
As Ghana strives to modernize its agricultural sector, the SARI Technology Park stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and capacity building in addressing the challenges of food security and youth unemployment.