06-11-13
The
Executive Director of Trade Aid Integrated, an NGO, Nicholas Apokera, has
warned of a possible food shortage in the Upper East Region due to the late
start of the farming season coupled with poor rainfall pattern. From his
observation, the erratic nature of the rains was likely to affect the
availability of food in the region this year and could result in a serious food
crisis if nothing is done to salvage the situation. Mr Apokera tells Radio
Ghana that his interaction with farmers went ahead to confirm that there was
low production on crops as most farms are experiencing post-harvest loses.
Meanwhile, most cereal plants such as rice, millet and maize have already
dried up though harvesting of such varieties
have not been harvested. The current trend, Mr Apokera noted was an
ample indication that food shortage was likely to occur. Beyond that, signs are
clear since most farms have been deserted and left under the mercy of birds,
predators and the harsh climatic condition of the prevailing weather. He said,
considering the volatile nature of the situation, government had to intervene
by putting in measures to assist the region with additional food supply if
there is availability of food stock. If not, government has to plan on how to
get additional food to support the people in the region. On the way forward, Mr Apokera suggested the
urgent the need for small holder farmers to prioritize climate change
adaptation. He moreover stressed the need for an integrated change in the
entire agriculture system as this was vital to identifying innovative farming
methods to address the problem of climate change. He disclosed that Trade Aid
as an NGO has over the years trained and assisted farmers to implement climate
change adaptation actions and urged government to complement its effort in that regard. Another area worthy of
mentioning was the issue of water harvesting which he noted was to be revisited
and taken up with all the seriousness it deserves.
GBC
END
IA/
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