Wa, Upper West Region - The Deputy Executive Director of Centre for Indigeneous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD), Mr. Daniel Banuoku, has proposed to the Government of Ghana to invest in harvesting underground water through the drilling of boreholes at strategic locations in the Upper West Region and northern Ghana. The proposal aims to boost all-year-round food production, as the region continues to grapple with the impact of climate change on rainfall patterns.
Speaking during a media engagement in Wa, Mr. Banuoku noted that due to climate change, rainfall patterns can no longer be guaranteed, making it challenging for farmers to rely solely on rainwater for their crops. He emphasized that investing in solar mechanized boreholes in strategic locations and communities would provide farmers with the opportunity to engage in agricultural production throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
According to Mr. Banuoku, CIKOD has already tried the mechanized borehole concept for food production in selected communities in the Upper West Region, resulting in increased food production and improved livelihoods for beneficiary communities.
The Deputy Executive Director also appealed to the government to enhance its afforestation programs, reduce the cost of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), and encourage citizens to use LPG for their domestic energy needs instead of relying on charcoal. He emphasized that charcoal production is a major contributor to deforestation and environmental degradation.
Mr. Banuoku appealed to the government to support all affected farmers in the Upper West Region who suffered losses due to the July 2024 drought. The government has already announced an intervention package of Gh¢8 billion (approximately $1.6 billion) to support affected farmers in 8 regions across the country.
In the Upper West Region alone, over 115,000 farmers have been directly affected by the dry spell, which has resulted in significant crop losses and reduced agricultural productivity. The region has been one of the hardest-hit areas in Ghana, with many farmers struggling to recover from the devastating impact of the drought.
The CIKOD Deputy Executive Director emphasized that investing in underground water harvesting and supporting affected farmers would not only improve food security but also help mitigate the effects of climate change. He urged the government to take concrete steps to address the issue, as it is crucial for the development of the country.
Mr. Banuoku's proposal comes at a critical time when Ghana is grappling with food security challenges and climate change-induced disasters. The Upper West Region has been particularly vulnerable to droughts, floods, and other climate-related disasters, which have significantly impacted agricultural production and livelihoods.
As the region continues to rebuild and recover from the recent drought, it is essential that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize sustainable solutions that address the root causes of these challenges. The proposal by CIKOD's Deputy Executive Director is a timely reminder of the need for innovative solutions that can help Ghanaian farmers adapt to climate change and ensure food security for all.
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