A comprehensive review conducted by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) regarding cereal crops such as pearl millet, sorghum, and groundnut in various West African countries has revealed that only 50% of over 145 newly released varieties are available for commercial use by farmers.
The findings from CIMMYT indicate that the adoption rates of these improved varieties among farmers range from 15% to 30%.
This low adoption is attributed to fragmented seed production efforts and inadequate seed delivery systems across the west region nations.
These issues were highlighted during a recent stakeholder engagement forum in Northern Ghana focused on demand-driven seed systems in Northern Ghana.
Improved crop varieties developed by breeders within numerous research institutions in West Africa often lack sufficient awareness among local farmers and relevant value chain stakeholders.
This lack of awareness hampers widespread adoption, particularly in light of the limited availability of these seeds for cultivation.
Furthermore, many local farmers who are aware of these improved varieties may not possess the necessary agronomic knowledge to implement them effectively.
The uncoordinated nature of seed production efforts, combined with inefficient seed delivery systems, has significantly contributed to the low adoption rates.
Dr. Doris Kanvenaa Puozaa, Seed Systems Specialist with CIMMYT, provided insights during the farmer engagement forum on the necessity of addressing these challenges.
A recent study by CIMMYT has revealed that despite the release of 145 improved crop varieties in West Africa, less than 50% are available on the market.
“What we realised is that awareness has always been the problem – farmers do not know about the varieties,” said Dr. Doris Kanvenaa Puozaa, Seed Systems Specialist with CIMMYT.
This lack of awareness is a major obstacle to the adoption of improved crop varieties, which are critical to enhancing food security in the region. “We need to do more to make these varieties accessible to farmers,” Dr. Puozaa emphasized.
In an ongoing effort to enhance awareness of improved seeds among farmers, Francis Kusi, Executive Director of the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), announced that the institute is committed to providing foundation seeds as well as necessary agronomic practices to seed companies to ensure availability for farmers.
The introduction of new crop varieties to farmers has gotten a boost with a comprehensive production guide. According to Mr Kusi, “we don’t just stop at introducing them to the potential of the varieties, but we also walk them through the production practices.
” Emphasizing the importance of proper spacing, he noted that “spacing is a very important factor” in successful crop production. With improved content in their materials, farmers are now better equipped to maximize yields from these new varieties.
Haija Hawa Musah, the Regional Director for Agriculture in the Northern Region, expressed her approval of the farmer linkage approach adopted by SARI. She emphasized the importance of establishing irrigation facilities in the region to mitigate future drought-related challenges.
A devastating change in rainfall patterns in the Northern Region has left approximately 70% of farmers without a meaningful harvest, sparking fears of widespread hunger.
With the harvesting season underway, soaring food prices are already being felt, Hajia Hawa warned that the situation will worsen in the coming months if urgent action is not taken.
“If food is not brought in, then many people will go hungry,” said Hajia Hawa Musah, Northern Regional Director.To mitigate the crisis, the Regional Director called on the government to invest in irrigation systems, including small and large dams, boreholes, and supplementary water harvesting methods to support farmers during dry and rainy seasons alike.
“If we don’t work on irrigation, then we are doomed because currently, climate change has caught up with us,” Hajia Hawa warned.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Noah Nash Hoenyefia / Tamale
