The Context
Agriculture is predominantly on a smallholder basis in Ghana, according to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. About 90% of farm holdings are less than two hectares in size, although there are some large farms and plantations, particularly for rubber, oil palm and coconut and to a lesser extent, rice, maize, and pineapples. The main system of farming is traditional with little-mechanized farming. Agricultural production varies with the amount and distribution of rainfall. Soil factors are also important and could affect production.
Research and development are considered as critical to tackling some of these challenges through the generation of innovative technologies and smart solutions that can transform the agriculture economy sustainably, build the resilience of farmers, and reduce poverty.
CORAF’s work in Ghana
As a research coordination organization, CORAF works hand-in-hand with the national agricultural research systems of Ghana as well as the Regional Centers of Excellence on Root and Tubers to devise science and technology solutions to enable agriculture actors to deal with some of these challenges.
Impact
To date, CORAF’s Work has contributed to:
- Generating high-performing agricultural innovative technologies;
- Increase in agricultural productivity through the provision of high-yielding varieties;
- Construction and rehabilitation of agricultural research and development infrastructure;
- Improved access to innovations and technologies by producers;
- Increase in incomes of producers;
- Strengthening of the capacity of agricultural research
- Reduction in poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in rural areas
Agriculture Research and Development in Ghana
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is the main government research organization in Ghana, encompassing 13 research agencies, 9 of which conduct agriculturally related research activities.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research was established in 1968 to organize and coordinate scientific research in Ghana.
The distinctive features of the 1996 Act are the emphasis accorded private sector concerns and the introduction of market principles into the Council’s operations through the commercialization of research. In this connection, the Council is expected to generate part of its income through the sale of its products and services, and to institute a system of contract research.
The nine centers focusing on agric related research include the Animal Research Institute (ARI), the Crops Research Institute (CRI), the Soil Research Institute (SRI), the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI), the Food Research Institute (FRI), the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI), the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), and the Water Research Institute (WRI).
CSIR accounts for about two-thirds of total researchers and one-half of total spending on agricultural R&D in Ghana.
Success Stories in Ghana
CORAF Trains NARI Experts on Impact Evaluation Best Practices
About thirty socio-economists from the National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) of fifteen...
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PAIRED & EnGRAIS Review Progress, Plan 2022 Activities
The Joint Advisory Committee of two of West Africa’s largest agri-input projects...
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First West African Agriculture Technology Park Opens Doors to Public
Businesses, policymakers, farmers, researchers, and several other food system actors will get...
Read MoreExplore our work in others countries
WAAPP results in Ghana
WAAPP at 10: Achievements
Related documents
Contact CNS Ghana
First Name: Mme Regina
Last Name: SAGOE
Institution: WAAPP Ghana
Title: Coordonnateur CNS
Email: rsagoe50@gmail.com
Phone: 233 244 527 425
PB/City: P.O. Box M.32 – Accra
Fax: 233 21 77 98 09
Contact CSIR Ghana
First Name: Dr Victor
Last Name: AGYEMAN
Institution: C.S.I.R
Title: Director
Email: agyemanvictor@yahoo.com
Phone: +233 21 77 47 72
PB/City: P.O. Box M.32 – Accra
Fax: +233 21 77 98 09
