Accra, Ghana, 16th October 2026: The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) joins the global community in commemorating World Food Day under the theme, “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow.” The Association is calling for agricultural innovation that responds directly to the realities facing smallholder farmers, particularly climate change, limited mechanization, post-harvest losses and poor market access. In a press release, PFAG notes that farmers are innovators in their own right, applying generations of knowledge to the land, crops, weather and local food systems. However, innovation must go beyond advanced technology to include practical, affordable and accessible solutions that respond to farmers’ needs and build on their existing knowledge.

The Executive Director of PFAG, Mr. Bismark Nortey, said innovation must be linked to the challenges farmers face on the ground. “Improved seeds, irrigation, climate information, digital extension, soil-health practices, agroecology, storage and local processing can strengthen productivity and resilience. But these innovations will have limited impact unless farmers can access and use them affordably and connect their produce to ready markets,” Mr. Nortey said.

PFAG noted that, smallholder farmers across Ghana continue to face increasing climate pressures. In the Kassena area of the Upper East Region, prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall continue to threaten crop establishment, yields and household food security. Farmers need timely climate information, appropriate irrigation systems, drought-tolerant seeds and practical extension support to manage these risks. The press also pointed out that, mechanisation also remains a major constraint for many smallholder farmers. Limited access to affordable tractors, planters, harvesters, threshers and post-harvest equipment increases labour burdens, delays farming activities and contributes to losses. PFAG is calling for expanded access to appropriate, farmer-centred mechanisation services, especially for women and young farmers.

The Executive Director further noted that, market access continues to remain another critical challenge. Farmers in parts of the Volta Region and Ada have experienced tomato gluts, with increased production not always translating into improved incomes because of inadequate storage, processing facilities, structured markets and reliable buyers. Additionally, the issue of migratory birds that are devastated rice farmers fields also needs an innovative solution. Similar challenges affect rice and maize farmers, who need stronger aggregation systems, processing capacity, storage infrastructure and predictable market linkages.

PFAG is therefore calling on government, development partners, academia, financial institutions and private-sector actors to invest in:

 Affordable irrigation and water-management innovations for climate-affected farming communities.

 Climate information services, drought-tolerant seeds and agro ecological practices that build resilience.

 Accessible mechanization services tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.

 Improved storage, processing, aggregation and supply-chain infrastructure to reduce post- harvest losses.

 Fairer, more structured markets that link farmers to reliable buyers and protect them from exploitative pricing.

 Increased support for women and young farmers to access land, finance, technology, training and markets.

The Association further urges policymakers and development partners to involve farmer organisations in the design and implementation of agricultural programmes. Meaningful participation will help ensure that investments reflect local conditions, support livelihoods and deliver measurable results. “Building a food-secure Ghana requires coordinated action by farmers, government, researchers, businesses, development partners and consumers. Consumers can also contribute by choosing locally produced food and reducing food waste,” Mr. Nortey added.

On World Food Day, PFAG reaffirms its vision of “A life of dignity for the peasant farmer.” The Association calls for a food system that recognizes farmers as producers, knowledge holders, entrepreneurs and partners in national development.

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Signed

Bismark Nortey

Executive Director, PFAG

Note to the Editor

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is a farmer-based organisation advocating for

pro-poor agricultural and trade policies. Established in 2005, it works to advance the livelihoods,

productivity and resilience of smallholder farmers in Ghana.

Media Enquiries: For all media enquiries, please contact: Bismark Nortey (Executive Director,

PFAG) on 0243487643 or Douglas Annor (National President) on 0244595007