By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, Oct. 09, GNA – Dr Meshack Oguna Malo, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative to Ghana, has called for greater innovation and the use of science, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform Ghana’s agriculture and food systems.
He said innovation could provide practical solutions to challenges facing farmers and improve production and productivity across the agriculture sector.
Dr Malo made the call at a press briefing on the World Food Day slated for October 16, 2026, on the theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
He said some simple innovations could have a significant impact when properly identified, developed, and shared with farmers and young people.
He cited an innovation that helped a rabbit farmer to track when rabbits were due to give birth, thereby reducing production losses.
He said the experience demonstrated that solutions considered ordinary could become important innovations when applied to address practical challenges in agriculture.
Dr Malo called for stronger collaboration with the media to communicate such innovations to young people and help them identify opportunities to develop technology-based solutions.
He said the FAO was working with partners under the “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow” initiative to identify areas where technology could be applied to create solutions.
He said innovation, including AI, had become an important driver of global trade and could also contribute significantly to improving food and agricultural systems.
Dr Malo said innovation by young people and women could help address food insecurity and improve the capacity of the agriculture sector to nourish the population.
Dr Grace Forson of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research said about 17.4 per cent of Ghanaian children were malnourished, while 45 per cent of women of reproductive age suffered from anaemia.
She said the burden of malnutrition cost Ghana about 6.4 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product annually, requiring coordinated action across health, education and social protection sectors.
Dr Forson said research institutions, policymakers, the private sector and communities needed to work together to promote nutritious, affordable and sustainable local food systems.
Ms Aimee Wallin, the Co-Director Ghana Food Movement, said the organisation focused on young people and promoting the potential of Ghana’s local food system to improve food, health and livelihoods.
She said the Movement operated around three pillars: community building, food education and local food promotion, with emphasis on bringing together actors across Ghana’s food system to collaborate and act.
Amy said innovation should also draw on traditional and indigenous knowledge, noting that Ghana had diverse crops, recipes, food heritage and talents that could contribute to the future of the country’s food systems.
She said local food products had significant value for nutrition, business and job opportunities, and urged Ghanaians to look to indigenous knowledge and local products as part of efforts to nourish the country.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku
Email: [email protected]