Climate change is contributing to increased agrochemical use among farmers in the Upper East Region, as rising temperatures and inadequate soil moisture reduce the effectiveness of fertilizers and herbicides.
Dr. Wandaat, speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of State in Charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu, on the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, said the region is among those with high agrochemical consumption. He explained that farmers are increasingly applying higher doses of fertilizers and herbicides because of poor results caused by changing weather conditions.
According to him, inadequate soil moisture prevents fertilizers from working effectively, while extreme sunshine reduces the effectiveness of pre-emergence herbicides, which require sufficient moisture and time in the soil. He warned that the development is not only increasing environmental pollution but also placing an additional financial burden on farmers, who spend more on chemicals but obtain lower returns.
Dr. Wandaat said climate change poses a serious threat to agriculture in the Upper East Region and called for sustainable farming practices and interventions that can help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu said his office, established under the Presidency to focus on climate change, environmental sustainability and food security, is engaging stakeholders across the country to gather practical ideas on addressing environmental challenges.
As part of his visit to the Upper East Region, the Minister, together with the Regional Minister, inspected the rehabilitation of 16 hectares of degraded communal land at Nyogbari in the Nabdam District through cashew cultivation. The project also includes a nursery with about 20,000 cashew seedlings.
The cashew project, which began three years ago under the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project 2 (GPSNP2), is aimed at improving food security, promoting exports, empowering women and creating employment opportunities for young people.
The project has so far engaged about 60 people, with women forming the majority. Alhaji Issifu commended the initiative for contributing to climate resilience and urged beneficiaries and workers to take ownership of the project and protect the cashew plantations until the trees mature and begin fruiting.
The visit also included a sub-national stakeholder engagement on climate change and sustainability involving Municipal and District Coordinating Directors, planners and other key staff from assemblies across the Upper East Region.
Story FFreedom Etsey Lavoe