Dry spell threatens crops and livelihoods in Sissala communities

A prolonged dry spell has left farmlands in Pulima, Kusali, Kong and Chinchang in the Sissala area of the Upper West Region severely parched, raising concerns among farmers as the current planting season approaches its end.

As of September 16, 2026, crops that would ordinarily be well developed at this stage of the season are showing signs of severe water stress. Maize, soybean and other staple crops are turning yellow, with some fields already showing significant signs of withering.

Farmers say the rains, which were irregular at the beginning of the season, have become increasingly scarce in recent weeks. They fear the prolonged dry conditions could prevent crops from reaching maturity after substantial investments in seeds, fertiliser and labour.

For many smallholder farmers, the situation compounds difficulties experienced during previous farming seasons, as changing weather patterns have made agricultural planning increasingly difficult.

Farmers and community leaders say the changing rainfall pattern is making traditional farming calendars less reliable. They point to prolonged dry intervals, delayed rains and the early cessation of rainfall as growing challenges to crop production.

“Climate change is real” has become a common concern among farmers and community leaders, who say the weather conditions are increasingly different from the patterns on which generations of farmers relied.

The impact of the dry spell could extend beyond individual farms. Farmer groups and local leaders in the affected communities have warned that a poor harvest could contribute to food shortages and higher food prices in the coming months.

They expressed particular concern about vulnerable households, including women and children, who could face greater difficulties if food supplies decline and prices rise.

Farmers are therefore appealing to the government and agricultural agencies for urgent assistance to mitigate their losses and strengthen their resilience against future dry spells.

Among the interventions they are seeking are access to drought-resistant seeds, irrigation support and financial assistance to help affected farmers recover their investments and prepare for subsequent farming seasons.

With the dry conditions persisting across parts of Sissala West and Sissala East, farmers continue to hope for sufficient rainfall to salvage whatever remains of their crops and protect their livelihoods.