As the world today marks World Food Day under the theme “Water is life, water is food,” CCCFS adds its voice once again this year to emphasize the critical role of water for human existence and growth and, equally importantly, its foundational role in food production and achieving food security in Ghana. Against this backdrop, CCCFS is calling on the government and stakeholders within the sector to design sustainable policies that ensure safe drinking water for people and wean Ghana off its long-standing rain-fed agriculture systems. Also, we urge the government to embrace and invest in new technologies that enhance access to clean water and irrigation systems for sustainable food production.

Additionally, we would like to use this day to reiterate and remind governments of the need to pay attention towards the degradation of our biodiversity and environment through unsustainable agricultural practices, Galamsey activities, and the shift towards Western-style dietary habits. For Ghana to meet its food security needs, ensure a healthy population, and deal with climate change effects, practicable and sustainable policies and interventions must be instituted to turn the tide of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. CCCFS proposes the following interventions for consideration by the government:

1. The government’s planting for food and jobs initiative should be anchored on “sustainability” as well, not just the production of food at the expense of enhancing biodiversity and protecting the environment. Sustainability and food production are not mutually exclusive.
2. We commend Ghana for being a member of the Agroecology Coalition and implore the government to deepen its involvement in the coalition, leverage the available resources to promote food production, create jobs in the sector, and enhance biodiversity and the environment.
3. The momentum against galamsey activities must be intensified, bringing to book the actual powers behind such a menace.
4. Deliberate policy design to promote the production and consumption of our indigenous foods as well as preserve our traditional food culture.

In the coming weeks, CCCFS will lead an advocacy platform to draw attention to our indigenous foods in promoting food security and good nutrition, enhancing biodiversity, protecting the environment, and creating jobs.

CCCFS stands ready to partner with the government and other stakeholders in these efforts and more!

Dr. Jacob Sarfo

Deputy Director of Research (Food and Nutrition Security)

Center for Climate Change and Food Security

Jsarfo4@gmail.com