Klutse Kudomor, a renowned agribusiness consultant and development advocate, has issued a clarion call for Ghana to rethink its agricultural strategies to ensure food security, reduce import dependency, and drive economic growth. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Kudomor outlined a transformative plan to address systemic inefficiencies, capitalize on Ghana’s competitive advantages, and position agriculture as a cornerstone of national development.
Agriculture at a Crossroads
Kudomor highlighted the critical challenges facing Ghana’s agriculture sector, including delayed input delivery, policy inconsistencies, and a failure to prioritize strategic crops. He painted a stark picture of the consequences, from food shortages to a growing reliance on imported staples.
“We have the land, the resources, and the expertise, but inefficiencies and poor timing are holding us back. Agriculture cannot thrive when inputs like fertilizers and seeds are delivered late or trapped in bureaucratic red tape. It’s time to break this cycle,” he said.
The Case for Private Sector Leadership
At the heart of Kudomor’s vision is a shift from government-led initiatives to private sector-driven agriculture. He argued that empowering private entities would enhance efficiency, innovation, and accountability, ensuring that resources reach farmers promptly.
“Farming must be private-sector-led, with the government playing a supportive role. Organizations like the Pizer Farmers Association have shown that private players can drive progress. Let’s create an enabling environment for these stakeholders to thrive,” Kudomor urged.
Building on Progress, Avoiding Disruption
Kudomor underscored the need for continuity in agricultural policies, criticizing the tendency of successive governments to abandon existing programs. He cited the Brazilian mechanization facility and the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative as examples of valuable projects that suffered from poor follow-through.
“We cannot afford to reinvent the wheel every time a new minister takes office. Progress requires consistency and long-term planning. Let’s build on what works instead of starting over,” he emphasized.
Focusing on Competitive Crops
One of Kudomor’s key recommendations is for Ghana to focus on crops where it has a competitive advantage, such as maize, soybeans, sorghum, and cowpeas. He noted that while tomato farming faces significant challenges due to climate and disease, crops like maize thrive across the country’s diverse agricultural zones.
“Our strength lies in maize production. We have the capacity to feed not just ourselves but also our neighbors in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. It’s time to prioritize these crops and turn our comparative advantage into economic gains,” he said.
Reimagining Trade Relations
Kudomor called for a rethinking of Ghana’s trade relationships with neighboring countries. Instead of importing staples like maize, he argued that Ghana should be exporting surplus crops, creating a favorable balance of trade.
“We can produce enough to meet local demand and export to our neighbors. By doing so, we strengthen our economy, support farmers, and reduce our reliance on imports,” he explained.
Time: The Deciding Factor
Timeliness is a recurring theme in Kudomor’s recommendations. He stressed that the success of any agricultural initiative hinges on the prompt delivery of inputs to farmers.
“Agriculture operates on nature’s clock. Seeds, fertilizers, and equipment must reach farmers when they need them, not after the season has passed. Delays lead to crop failures and food shortages,” he said.
The Future of Ghana’s Agriculture
Kudomor’s blueprint for Ghana’s agricultural transformation offers a practical path forward. By empowering the private sector, focusing on competitive crops, ensuring policy continuity, and addressing inefficiencies, Ghana can unlock the full potential of its agriculture sector.
With the right policies and commitment, Kudomor believes Ghana can move from a food-importing nation to a regional agricultural powerhouse. “We have everything we need to succeed. All we need now is the will to act,” he concluded.
The Call to Action
As Ghana grapples with food security challenges, Kudomor’s insights serve as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for change. The time to act is now, before another planting season is lost and more opportunities slip away. The future of Ghana’s agriculture—and its economy—hangs in the balance.
