The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) has launched the Technology Establishment for Regional-adapted Regenerative Agriculture in Africa (TERRA Africa) Project at the University for Development Studies (UDS).
The initiative is a collaboration between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University for Development Studies (UDS).
The project aims to create an adaptive and integrated package of technologies to address some challenges facing agriculture in Ghana.
The African Regenerative Agriculture Technology project is a response to four major challenges facing challenges facing food production across the savannah regions of Africa. These challenges include, nutrient deficient soils, climate change, inadequate research and application of technology as the cultivation of fixed crop species.
The project was adopted this year as an overseas cooperation assistance of the Nippon Foundation in Japan.
Speaking to Journalists at the launch of the project in Tamale, the President of JIRCAS, Dr. Koyama Osamu, explained that, the importance of soil health has grown significantly, especially in light of climate change.
He underlined some strategies to address these challenges and ensure food security.
“We will propose a prototype of an integrated technology package for each region, and rapidly transfer the technology for maximum impact,” he said, adding that, “we humbly seek for your cooperation in making the TERRA Africa project a success. Together, let us work hand in hand to bring about positive change and prosperity to the agricultural landscape of African savanna.”
The initiative is expected to deepen collaboration between domestic and overseas organizations, such as the Sasakawa Africa Association, to develop sustainable technology based on scientific knowledge that are suitable for the African savannah.
The Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Institute, Dr. Paul Bosu, pledged his continuous support for the TERRA Africa Project.
“CSIR will do everything possible in our capacity to ensure that together with our partners, this project will be successful and we will make our resources and facilities available to the project and any other project,” he stated
The Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Professor Seidu Al-hassan, welcomed the initiative saying as a University focused on empowering vulnerable communities, the project aligns perfectly with their vision.
He pledged the support of the University towards success of the project through quality research and innovation to address some of the critical challenges facing food production in the country.
