Development and dissemination of improved agricultural technologies are essential for transforming Africa’s agriculture and improving livelihoods. However, limited awareness and access to these technologies remain major challenges for smallholder farmers, leading to inefficiencies in production.
To address this challenge, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), in partnership with CORAF, established the Agricultural Technology Park (ATP) at Nyankpala. The Park serves as a central hub where farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders interact, learn, and access proven agricultural technologies. While it initially served mainly as a demonstration site, the Park now plays a more strategic role, facilitating farmers’ access to improved technologies that can directly impact productivity and income.
In 2025, two of the most sought-after technologies at the ATP were the Fall Armyworm (FAW)-tolerant maize hybrids, particularly CSIR-Wobil Moya, and SARINUT 2, a dual-purpose groundnut variety developed by CSIR-SARI scientists. Both varieties have shown exceptional performance under farmer-managed conditions and have generated growing interest among smallholder farmers and private seed producers.
To facilitate adoption, CSIR-SARI distributed seed packs of these improved varieties through the district offices of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in five major maize- and groundnut-producing districts in Northern Ghana, Yendi, Wa East, West Mamprusi, North Gonja, and Tolon.
Each district received 150 kilograms of certified FAW-tolerant maize hybrid (CSIR-Wobil Moya), while 100 kilograms of SARINUT 2 were distributed to farmers in Kpasolgu, a farming community in the Tolon District. In total, 850 kilograms of certified seed were supplied to farmers to support their cultivation activities.
The distribution aimed not only to introduce these improved varieties to new farming communities but also to encourage rapid adoption by allowing farmers to test the varieties on their own fields and witness the results firsthand.
According to Dr. Charles Nelimor, Park Manager of the SARI Technology Park, “The Agricultural Technology Park has proven to be a powerful bridge between research and farmers. By taking improved seed varieties directly to communities, we are ensuring that farmers can experience the benefits of these technologies without barriers.”
One of the beneficiaries, Afi Nantogma, a farmer from Kpasolgu who received SARINUT 2 seed, shared her excitement after the planting season. She said, “I planted SARINUT 2 for the first time and the results were amazing. The plants grew well, and the nuts were easy to harvest and shell. My yield increased, and I plan to use SARINUT 2 again next season.”
Through such targeted initiatives, CSIR-SARI is ensuring that the technologies developed through years of research reach the people who need them most — the farmers. With the support of CORAF, the Agricultural Technology Park continues to strengthen the link between innovation and impact, driving sustainable agricultural transformation in Northern Ghana.