The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana is calling on the government to establish an Agricultural Emergency Response Fund to cushion farmers against potential losses arising from anticipated El Niño-related weather conditions. The Association says the proposed fund would provide timely financial support and compensation to farmers whose investments and livelihoods are threatened by extreme weather events, while helping to safeguard agricultural production.
Speaking to Channel One Business, the Association’s Executive Director, Bismark Nortey, stressed the need for government to translate weather forecasts into concrete interventions to minimise the impact of adverse weather conditions on farmers. He proposed the creation of a well-capitalised Agricultural Emergency Response Fund that would be readily accessible to affected farmers to help compensate for losses and protect their livelihoods.
Mr Nortey outlined a three-phase intervention strategy involving early preparedness, immediate emergency support and long-term investment in agricultural resilience. As part of the preparedness measures, he urged government to collaborate with relevant institutions to identify vulnerable farming communities, strengthen agricultural extension services and ensure farmers receive timely climate information in languages they can easily understand.
He further called for the provision of climate-resilient agricultural inputs, particularly early-maturing crop varieties, during periods of adverse weather to help farmers minimise production losses. Beyond immediate interventions, Mr Nortey emphasised the importance of sustained investment in irrigation infrastructure to reduce the agricultural sector’s reliance on rainfall and ensure more consistent production.
He cautioned that failure to prepare adequately for the anticipated weather conditions could undermine food security, drive up food prices and limit farmers’ ability to reinvest in their farms.
To underscore the potential consequences, Mr Nortey referenced the prolonged dry spell in 2024, which he said affected more than 400,000 farmers, resulting in substantial losses to their livelihoods and agricultural investments. The Association is therefore urging the government to establish an effective early-response framework to mitigate the anticipated weather-related risks and prevent further economic hardship for farmers.
