The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has renewed calls for practical action to strengthen food security and improve agricultural production, with its Representative to Ghana, Dr Meshack Malo, emphasising the need to translate global commitments into meaningful results for farmers and communities.
The message formed part of activities marking World Food Day 2026, observed on October 16 under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.” The occasion drew attention to the importance of innovation, partnerships and investment in building agrifood systems capable of providing safe, nutritious and affordable food for all.
Dr Malo’s message highlighted the need for the World Food Day call to action to reach beyond international discussions in Rome, where the FAO is headquartered, and influence decisions and activities at the national and community levels.
For Ghana, this means strengthening the agricultural sector through improved technology, research, practical innovation and cooperation among government institutions, farmers, businesses and development partners.
Agriculture remains important to Ghana’s economy and livelihoods, supporting rural communities and contributing to the country’s food supply. However, farmers continue to face challenges that can affect productivity, profitability and the availability of food in local markets.
Innovation is increasingly viewed as one way to address these difficulties. Improved farming techniques, access to reliable information, appropriate technologies and better agricultural inputs can help farmers increase production and respond to changing environmental and market conditions.
Reducing post-harvest losses is another important priority. Food can be lost after harvesting because of inadequate storage, poor handling, limited processing facilities and transportation difficulties. Investments in storage, processing and distribution could help preserve food, improve farmers’ earnings and reduce waste.
The World Food Day message also draws attention to the importance of partnerships. Governments, research institutions, private businesses, farmers’ organisations and local communities each have a role to play in developing solutions that are practical, affordable and suited to local conditions.
For Ghana, stronger local production could also help reduce dependence on selected imported food commodities. Products such as tomatoes and chicken have featured in discussions about the country’s food supply and the need to strengthen domestic agricultural production.
However, improving local production requires more than increasing the number of farms. Farmers also need access to markets, financing, modern equipment, storage facilities and reliable buyers. These factors can determine whether increased production translates into better incomes and a more dependable food supply.
The call for innovation is also relevant to young people, who could contribute to the future of agriculture through technology, agribusiness, food processing and other activities along the agricultural value chain. Creating opportunities for young people to participate in these areas could support employment while helping to modernise the sector.
World Food Day provides an opportunity for countries to assess progress towards improving food availability, nutrition and access. It also encourages governments and other stakeholders to consider whether their policies and investments are delivering tangible benefits to the people who produce and consume food.
Dr Malo’s message reinforces the importance of moving from broad commitments to practical implementation. While international events help establish priorities and mobilise support, lasting progress depends on how those commitments are translated into programmes, investments and solutions that reach farmers and households.
As Ghana marks World Food Day, the emphasis on innovation and collective action highlights the need to build an agricultural system that supports farmers, reduces food losses and improves access to nutritious food.
The wider challenge is to ensure that the call for action does not end with commemorative events but continues through sustained efforts to strengthen food production, improve livelihoods and make food security a reality for communities across the country.
Source: Thepressradio.com
