Agriculture is an important sector of Ghana’s economy. It contributes to 54% of Ghana’s GDP, and accounts for over 40% of export earnings, while at the same time providing over 90% of the country’s food needs. Agriculture is highly dependent on the climate. This means, increases in temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) can increase some crop yields in some places. But to realize these benefits, nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability, and other conditions must also be met.
Changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods could pose challenges for farmers and threaten food security and safety. Meanwhile, warmer water temperatures are likely to cause the habitat ranges of many fish and shellfish species to shift, which could disrupt ecosystems. Overall, it makes it more difficult to grow crops, raise animals, and catch fish in the same ways and in the same places as we have done in the past. Water required for food production may become more scarce due to increased crop water use and drought, while competition for land may increase as certain areas become climatically unsuitable for production.
The changing climate is having far-reaching impacts on agricultural production, which are likely to challenge food security in the future by increasing food prices and reducing food production. These rising prices are likely to force the growing numbers of local people into poverty, providing a sobering demonstration of how the influence of climate change can result in food insecurity.
However, other stressors, such as population growth may magnify the effects of climate change on food security. The earlier we work as a country around the clock to increase the food basket and sustain livelihoods, the better. This is because food shortages can cause humanitarian crises and national security concerns.
The writer, Confidence Koffie Morklah is an Author, freelancer, Businessman and a Minister of the Gospel at the Christ Apostolic Church International in Ghana. Writer’s email: confidencemorklah@gmail.com | confexz12@gmail.com |
