FAO calls for investment in technology to transform agric sector

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative to Ghana, Meshack Oguna Malo, has called for increased investment in technology, innovation and scientific research to transform the country's agricultural sector.

He added that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), data and other affordable technologies could help farmers improve productivity, reduce losses, strengthen the country's food sovereignty and attract more young people into agriculture.

“The agriculture sector offers hope, but we believe that we can work together through leveraging science, technology, and AI in order to make this sector better, to be able to nourish tomorrow,” Mr Malo said.

He made the call at a media briefing in Accra last Monday, ahead of the commemoration of this year's World Food Day (WFD) celebration on October 16, on the theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”

Some participants at the event. Picture: ERNEST KODZI 

The event was organised in partnership with Ghana Food Movement (GFM), Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Food for All Africa, and Hospitality Alliance of Ghana.

Activities lined up for the WFD celebration include a farmers' market, a cooking competition and some initiatives to promote sustainable food packaging. Participants were encouraged to bring their own bags to reduce plastic waste on the day. Practical solutions

Mr Malo cited a recent training programme for young people, where a rabbit farmer discovered that using Google Calendar could help him track the breeding cycle of his animals to reduce production losses.

He said such simple innovations demonstrated the need to make technology accessible to farmers.

Mr Malo also stressed the urgency of addressing food insecurity, citing an April 2025 analysis which identified about 2.38 million people in the country who were uncertain about their next meals.

He urged collaboration among stakeholders to develop practical solutions, particularly for young people and women. Investment in nutrition

The Head, Department of Nutrition, Diet and Metabolic Science at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Dr Gloria Folson, called for sustained investment in nutrition research and stronger collaboration across sectors to address the country's growing malnutrition burden.

She said approximately 17.4 per cent of children under five were stunted, while 45 per cent of women of reproductive age suffered from anaemia.

Dr Folson added that overweight and obesity were also increasing, particularly in urban areas. She said malnutrition cost the country about 6.4 per cent of its gross domestic product annually.

Dr Folson, therefore, urged policymakers to prioritise nutrition through evidence-based interventions, stronger food safety regulations and affordable, nutritious food systems. Indigenous foods

A director at the Ghana Food Movement (GFM), Aimée Wallin, called for greater promotion of indigenous foods and traditional knowledge as part of efforts to build a sustainable food system.

She added that innovation should incorporate knowledge inherited from previous generations, including traditional recipes, farming practices and local food preparation methods.

Ms Wallin said the country's indigenous food products offered significant nutritional, commercial and employment opportunities.

She said the movement, which brought together farmers, chefs, entrepreneurs, academics and other stakeholders, would use this year's World Food Day celebration to showcase the value of local foods. 

— Graphic Online