GSA FOCUSES ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE

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The Ghana Science Association has held its 16th Biennial Workshop in Kumasi on the theme, “Combating Pests Through Climate Smart Agriculture”. 

Climate Smart Agriculture refers to as agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, enhances crop resilience to drought, pests and diseases, and promotes national food security and development goals. 

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto in an address for him, at the function, said planning efforts are urgently needed to target and implement agricultural adaptation and mitigation options in line with government strategies, such as the national climate change action plans. In line with this, government has put in place the National Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Security Action Plan.

 He said the Action Plan defines implementation programmes in the respective agro-ecological zones and in the various district. What remains crucial now is the allocation of resources to effectively implement the Plan.

 Dr. Akoto noted that climate change will continue to have significant and generally negative impacts on agriculture and growth prospects.  

He said in the face of adverse impacts of climate change on agricultural systems, including increased incidence of pests and diseases, Ghana’s food security situation will continue to be under threat. 

Dr. Akoto therefore urged scientists to develop technologies to improve on-farm water storage and irrigation, access to crop varieties that are more tolerant of droughts, pests, floods and salinity. 

The National President of Ghana Science Association, Professor Moses Eghan said the Association since its formation in 1959, has not only promoted development of science and technology in the country, but also highlighted issues of national importance regularly at its biennial annual workshops and conferences. 

He said some of the recommendations made to government have resulted in the formulation of policies and establishment of important institutions that continue to contribute to national development.

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