Transformation in agric sector inadequate - Studies

Accra, Sept. 2, GNA - A study on the Roles of Agriculture (ROA) project in Ghana has revealed that transformation of agriculture is inadequate and it is not having a pull effect on migration. According to the studies, analysis of the reasons for people moving from one place to another suggested that it was for domestic considerations, rather than employment needs, which had the greatest influence on migration flows.

The ROA project is a joint study done by the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness and ISSER of the University of Ghana with the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to gather information on the roles that agriculture is playing with respect to Ghana's socio-economy development.

Ghana was chosen as one of 11 case studies across the developing world to critically analyse the roles agriculture plays.

The Reverend Dr Samuel Asuming-Brempong, leader of the Research Group, said the specific objective of the study was to identify major "externalities" of agriculture, evaluate and quantify such "externalities" and assess policy measures to address them.

He said the study covered seven modules in Ghana, namely: review of recent economic and agriculture policy; environmental "externalities"; poverty reduction; food security; buffer role of agriculture; social viability and cultural perception.

Rev. Asumaning-Brempong said the role of agriculture in reducing poverty in Ghana should target the poor and promote the production and marketing of non-tradable starchy staples, livestock and fish. He said evidence shows that the rural farm family served as migrants' insurance against unemployment in the absence of formal insurance.

Participants said agriculture was not given a critical thought and argued that the platform should be used to give a second thought to the sector to make it to regain its best position. 02 Sept. 03