Interview On Climate Change: Transforming Lives, Shaping Futures
- OTI Editor
- Mar 27
- 5 min read
Climate change has greatly affected the agricultural landscape in Ghana, presenting numerous challenges for local farmers. In a call-to-action video, MEST Africa conducted a series of interviews with prominent figures in the AgriTech industry to highlight the impact of climate change on Ghana’s agriculture and to propose necessary changes—through innovation, policy reform, and collective action—to empower local farmers and promote sustainable transformation.
Esthy Ama Asante, CEO and Head of Business Development at Organic Trade and Investments (OTI), was among the participants who shared their insights for this campaign.
Here, we present an exclusive report of the interview:
Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture
How has climate change impacted the agricultural landscape in Ghana and Can you provide specific examples of challenges that local farmers are facing as a result?
Farmers in Ghana are facing unpredictable rainfall, impacting crop planting and harvesting schedules. This uncertainty has resulted in crop failures and reduced yields. We had a challenging year, with a shortage of cocoa beans and shea nuts. We harvested only about 40% of the projected amount in 2024. Rising temperatures have caused heat stress on crops, diminishing their productivity and increasing their vulnerability to pests and diseases. Extreme weather events, like prolonged droughts and severe floods, have become more common. These events destroyed crops, eroded soil, and disrupted farming activities. Higher temperatures and changes in humidity levels have created favorable conditions for pests and diseases to thrive, further affecting crop health and yields. Climate change, driven by human activities and greed (such as illegal mining), has accelerated soil erosion and degradation, reducing the fertility of farmland and making it harder for crops to grow.
Local Livelihoods
How do these climate-related challenges affect the day-to-day lives and productivity of Ghana’s farmers?
Climate-related challenges significantly affect Ghanaian farmers' productivity, health, and economic stability. Farmers must invest more time and resources in irrigation, pest control, and soil conservation due to climate changes, which are costly and labor-intensive. Extreme weather, like heatwaves and heavy rains, poses health risks, leading to illnesses and injuries; in 2024, about 10% of our field managers fell ill. Unpredictable crop yields cause economic instability, complicating future planning and investments. Traditional practices and communal systems, such as Nnoboa, are disrupted, affecting social bonds and cultural heritage. Severe weather may force migration, leading to resource conflicts and economic hardships. Adopting climate-resilient practices and diversifying crops are vital for mitigating these impacts and ensuring sustainable agriculture.
The Role of AgTech and Innovative Solutions
AgTech innovations have begun transforming traditional farming practices. How do you see technology mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and how is Organic Trade & Investments (OTI) supporting farmers in adopting organic and climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance sustainability and resilience?
AgTech innovations are transforming farming by using advanced technologies to mitigate climate change impacts on agriculture. GPS, IoT devices, and data analytics help farmers optimize crop cultivation, applying water, fertilizers, and pesticides precisely to reduce waste and boost yields. Focus is on Africa's resilient crops like bambara beans and fonio, which thrive in harsh conditions, ensuring food security. IoT-based irrigation provides real-time soil moisture data for efficient water use. Drones and satellite imagery monitor crop health, detect diseases, and assess weather damage for timely interventions. Transparency and traceability in the supply chain ensure sustainable practices and fair farmer compensation.
OTI aids farmers in Ghana and beyond in adapting to climate change by promoting organic and climate-smart agricultural practices. They encourage methods that avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, fostering healthier ecosystems. OTI provides training and resources for sustainable practices like crop rotation and integrated pest management, and helps farmers access international markets for fair pricing. Focusing on small-scale farmers, OTI supplies tools, knowledge, and financial support for transitioning to organic farming, integrating technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Rethinking Approaches
Given the current challenges, what do you believe needs to change in Ghana's agricultural sector to better cope with climate change? Are there specific policy shifts or support systems that you think are critical to this transformation?
Ghana's agricultural sector can tackle climate change and ensure food and economic security by adopting several strategies. Implementing CSA (Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture) practices like drought-resistant crops, advanced irrigation, and agroforestry can enhance resilience to changing weather. Investing in research for climate-resilient crops and methods is crucial. Access to affordable credit and insurance can help farmers invest in infrastructure and recover from losses. Training programs on climate adaptation and sustainable farming can empower informed decisions. Developing infrastructure like irrigation, storage, and roads can further aid in managing climate impacts effectively.
Transforming Ghana's agricultural sector necessitates policy changes and support systems. Expanding the NCCAS (National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy) to include targeted agricultural measures will enhance resilience and adaptation. An economic policy focusing on continuous agricultural activities, such as 24/7 irrigation and agro-processing, will improve resource utilization and productivity.
Collaborative Efforts
What immediate steps should government, private sector, and local communities take to build a more resilient, self-sufficient agricultural system?
To build a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural system, immediate action from the government, private sector, and local communities is crucial. Collaboration is key to developing a system that can withstand climate change and ensure future food security. Provide subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans to farmers for sustainable practices and climate-resilient infrastructure. Partner with the government and communities to implement sustainable projects and technologies. Focus on infrastructure, market access, and research for climate-resilient crops and advanced techniques. Involve communities in decision-making and provide resources for local climate adaptation strategies. Foster collaboration among the government, private sector, and farmers to implement climate-resilient practices, offering financial incentives for climate-smart investments.
Inspiring Transformation
How can each of us contribute to lifting millions of local farmers out of poverty through AgTech?
Every individual has an essential part to contribute, and together, our efforts can greatly impact the agricultural sector and improve farmers' livelihoods. Supporting local farmers by buying their products and backing businesses that focus on sustainable and technology-driven farming methods is crucial. We should consciously choose eco-friendly actions and consistently engage in a circular economy to safeguard our environment and biodiversity.
As we wrap up this series, what key message or call to action would you like to share with all stakeholders and the public to drive this transformative change in Ghana's agriculture?
To all stakeholders and the public, the time is now to take collective and decisive action to transform Ghana's agriculture into a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous sector. Climate change presents significant challenges, but it also offers opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Let's commit to these transformative changes and goals we set for ourselves. Let's embrace climate-smart practices, leverage technology, protect our biodiversity, and work together to ensure food security and economic stability for future generations.
Keep in mind that the lands we currently inhabit are not ours; we encountered them upon arrival. We are borrowing the land from future generations; we should therefore act responsibly and strive to improve the environment beyond how we found it.
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