An agribusiness consultant and development advocate, Klutse Kudomor, has issued a clarion call for Ghana to rethink its agricultural strategies to ensure food security, reduce import dependency, and drive economic growth.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Kudomor outlined a transformative plan to address systemic inefficiencies, capitalize on Ghana’s competitive advantages, and position agriculture as a cornerstone of national development.

Agriculture at a Crossroads

Kudomor highlighted the critical challenges facing Ghana’s agriculture sector, including delayed input delivery, policy inconsistencies, and a failure to prioritize strategic crops. He painted a stark picture of the consequences, from food shortages to a growing reliance on imported staples.

“We have the land, the resources, and the expertise, but inefficiencies and poor timing are holding us back. Agriculture cannot thrive when inputs like fertilizers and seeds are delivered late or trapped in bureaucratic red tape. It’s time to break this cycle,” he said.

In 2024 for example, farmers did not have fertilizers when maize, with is 12-week maturity period did not have fertilizer even when the crops were seven weeks old. Farmers who planted drought tolerant varieties could have used early fertilizer application to have escaped the drought,” he lamented.

The Case for Private Sector Leadership

At the heart of Kudomor’s vision is a shift from government-led initiatives to private sector-driven agriculture. He argued that empowering private entities would enhance efficiency, innovation, and accountability, ensuring that resources reach farmers promptly.

“Farming must be private-sector-led, with the government playing a supportive role. Organizations like the Peasant Farmers Association have shown that private players can drive progress. Let’s create an enabling environment for these stakeholders to thrive,” Kudomor urged.

Growing the small-holder farmer into commercial business units

According to Mr Kudomor, the small-holder farmer is the hub around which sustainable stable production revolves. He noted that over 90% of staples consumed and even exported are produced by small-holder farmers.

He lamented that the government has burnt its fingers so badly in diverting attention from the small-holder farmer.

He asked, “Where are the Darko Farms, Ejura Farms, and Sydals Farms who received huge grants from governments?”.

Mr Kudomor is of the view that attention must be paid to transforming small-holder farmers by increasing their productivity and enhancing their economies of scale. This will create the needed jobs that employ the youth and are also owned by the youth.

Building on Progress, Avoiding Disruption

Kudomor underscored the need for continuity in agricultural policies, criticizing the tendency of successive governments to abandon existing programs. He cited the Brazilian mechanization facility and the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative as examples of valuable projects that suffered from poor follow-through. For example, the Brazilian facility and the Canadian facility that was used to initiate the Planting for Food & Jobs were abandoned for a completely new approach in the past two years, even under the same government, leading to the food shortages we have witnessed in 2024, leading to food imports.

“We cannot afford to reinvent the wheel every time a new minister takes office unless the strategy is entirely hopeless and lacks vision. Progress requires consistency and long-term planning. Let’s build on what works instead of starting over,” he emphasized.

Focusing on Competitive Crops

One of Kudomor’s key recommendations is for Ghana to focus on crops where it has a competitive advantage, such as maize, soybeans, sorghum, cowpeas and some vegetables. He noted that while tomato farming faces significant challenges due to Ghana’s humid climate leading to flower abortion and disease, crops like maize thrive across the country’s diverse agricultural zones.

“Our strength lies in maize and rice production. We have the capacity to feed not just ourselves but also our neighbours in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. It’s time to prioritize these crops and turn our comparative advantage into economic gains,” he said.

Reimagining Trade Relations

Kudomor called for a rethinking of Ghana’s trade relationships with neighbouring countries. Instead of importing staples like maize, he argued that Ghana should be exporting surplus crops, creating a favourable balance of trade.

“We can produce enough to meet local demand and export to our neighbours. By doing so, we strengthen our economy, support farmers, and reduce our reliance on imports,” he explained.

He advocated for the establishment of the Cross Border Commodity Export Bureau to monitor, regulate and quantify the value of Ghana’s commodities that get to neighbouring countries.

Time: The Deciding Factor

Timeliness is a recurring theme in Kudomor’s recommendations. He stressed that the success of any agricultural initiative hinges on the prompt delivery of inputs to farmers.

“Agriculture operates on nature’s clock. Seeds, fertilizers, and equipment must reach farmers when they need them, not after the season has passed. Delays lead to crop failures and food shortages,” he said.

The Future of Ghana’s Agriculture

Kudomor’s blueprint for Ghana’s agricultural transformation offers a practical path forward. By empowering the private sector, focusing on competitive crops, ensuring policy continuity, and addressing inefficiencies, Ghana can unlock the full potential of its agriculture sector.

With the right policies and commitment, Kudomor believes Ghana can move from a food-importing nation to a regional agricultural powerhouse. “We have everything we need to succeed. All we need now is the will to act,” he concluded.

The Call to Action

As Ghana grapples with food security challenges, Kudomor’s insights serve as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for change. The time to act is now before another planting season is lost and more opportunities slip away. The future of Ghana’s agriculture—and its economy—hangs in the balance.