Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, has called for a comprehensive approach to agricultural development that goes beyond farming to include every link in the value chain.
Speaking at the Conversations Under the Baobab Tree (Ɔdadeɛ National Dialogue), held under the theme “Towards A Holistic Approach to Agriculture in Ghana,” Professor Asante stressed the importance of viewing agriculture as an interconnected system—from production to processing, transportation, and ultimately, consumption.
“A holistic approach in agriculture should encompass all the related sectors in the value chain,” he said. “And here I am talking about sectors from the farm to the table. So we are talking about production, processing, transportation, and consumption.”
James Boateng, the 2018 Ghana National Best Farmer, also called for a coordinated and context-sensitive approach to agricultural development in the country, warning that fragmented efforts and poor execution are holding back progress in the sector.
He stressed the need for a “through-the-line” strategy that bridges the gap between policy intentions and real-world outcomes.
“We are advocating for a through-the-line approach and scaling up of our efforts to make meaningful progress,” he said. “Implement every plant strategy timely, bridge the gap between intention and outcomes. Strengthen accountability. Foster greater collaboration. Tailor your policies to the unique context of the diverse agricultural zones.”
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