Africa-Press – Ghana. Madam Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, has called for improved access to farm equipment, describing it as the main challenge facing farmers.
Speaking at the Volta Farmer Clinic in Ho, she said, “Our farmers are doing very well, but the major obstacle is accessing the tools and machinery needed for their work.”
She said many farmers needed to be connected to suppliers to acquire equipment at affordable prices.
“Most farmers have the financial resources to purchase these tools, but the lack of accessibility prevents them from maximizing their productivity.
When the need arises, farmers want immediate access to equipment, but that remains a major bottleneck.”
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to connecting the farmers through their groups, especially the women groups to have access to these tools.
Mr John Lovelace Kpodovia, an Agriculture Extension Officer, emphasised the role of guidance and planning in effective farming.
“Our work is to help farmers grow their craft efficiently. Before planting or starting any farm activity, it is essential to obtain accurate and reliable information. Our extension officers are in the field daily, providing guidance on crop management, livestock care, and farm operations,” he said.
He added, “We link farmers to the right sources for seeds, tools, and other inputs, and advise them on best practices, including proper timing for planting, feeding, and harvesting based on weather and soil data.”
He encouraged farmers to document their activities, monitor performance, and use data to improve productivity, adding that the goal was to ensure that farmers were highly productive and informed producers.
Mr Kpodovia also encouraged farmers to actively engage with extension officers and not wait until challenges before seeking advice.
He said farmers must ask questions, seek guidance, and leverage their support systems proactively.
”While we do not provide financial support, we provide access to resources, technical know-how, and tools to help farmers succeed,” he noted.
Madam Janet Adade, leader of the Volta and Oti Women in Agriculture Network, expressed appreciation on behalf of the members.
“We are grateful to be part of the Farmer Clinic. While extension officers regularly visit our farms, this clinic provided deeper insights into modern farming practices. The organisations that participated demonstrated their products and technologies, showing us how to use them effectively to improve our productivity. We saw machinery, chemicals, and other tools essential for farm operations, and this exposure has been invaluable,” she said.
Madam Adade urged the organizers to expand such initiatives to reach more farmers and farmer groups across the region.
“We also intend to share the knowledge and practices we learned today with other members of our communities, ensuring the impact of this clinic is multiplied,” she added.
The Farmer Clinic highlighted the importance of linking farmers to resources, modern tools, and technical support to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainable agricultural practices in the Volta Region.
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