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.

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.