By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), Nov. 11, GNA – Ho Technical University (HTU), in collaboration with the UNIDO-Ghana Circular Economy Centre, has organised the second Food, Agriculture, Technology and Sustainability (FATAS) Conference in Ho to promote innovation, research and sustainable solutions to challenges confronting food systems and agriculture.
The two-day conference, held on the theme: “Innovation for Resilient Futures: Integrating Food Systems, Technology and Sustainable Agriculture,” brought together researchers, policymakers, industry players, farmers, development partners, students and other stakeholders from Ghana, Africa and beyond.
The conference seeks to promote knowledge exchange, build capacity and strengthen collaboration among academia, industry and government while showcasing innovative technologies and best practices for improving food security and environmental sustainability.
Prof John Ofosu-Anim, Vice-Chancellor of the Presbyterian University Ghana, during the opening ceremony, called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, government, industry and farming communities to translate research into practical agricultural solutions.
He said agriculture employed about 24.3 per cent of Ghana’s workforce, representing an estimated 4.8 million people, and remained essential to food security, employment and economic development.
He highlighted the Ghana National Research Fund, which had received an initial allocation of GHS100 million, as an important opportunity to support locally driven research.
He also cited the Ghana Agricultural Fund for Education and Transformation, launched with an initial GHS3.5 million and a target of GHS100 million by 2028, as an avenue for improving research infrastructure, laboratories, agricultural machinery and innovation.
Prof Ofosu-Anim urged universities to take advantage of the funding opportunities and strengthen partnerships with farmers and industry to commercialise research findings.
He further called for agricultural innovations to be communicated in local languages to improve farmers’ understanding and adoption, while ensuring the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in research and development.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, also called on agricultural stakeholders to embrace technology, strengthen partnerships and invest in sustainable practices to improve productivity and build resilient food systems.
He said more than 60 per cent of the Volta Region’s population was engaged in agriculture, making the sector critical to livelihoods and regional development.
He identified unpredictable rainfall, drought, flooding, salt intrusion and post-harvest losses as major challenges requiring targeted technological interventions.
He advocated the adoption of drone mapping, artificial intelligence, improved crop varieties, digital extension services and mechanisation to address production constraints.
He also encouraged the use of solar dryers, cold storage facilities, improved grain storage technologies and digital payment systems to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
Prof Ben Hoenyenuga, Vice-Chancellor of HTU, said the conference demonstrated the University’s commitment to applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
He said the initiative, which began in 2025, had provided an important platform for stakeholders to explore practical solutions to emerging challenges in food systems and agriculture.
He noted that the maiden edition had generated research collaborations, strengthened institutional partnerships, and encouraged fresh thinking on sustainable food production.
Prof Hoenyenuga said the theme was timely, given the increasing threats posed by climate change, land degradation, flooding and water pollution, particularly from illegal mining activities.
He called for the adoption of technological innovations and smart agricultural practices to strengthen food security while protecting natural resources for future generations.
He said no single institution or sector could address the challenges confronting agriculture and food systems, stressing the need for stronger partnerships among researchers, policymakers, industry, farmers and development organisations.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted HTU’s research achievements, including its breakthrough in reducing the baobab plant’s gestation period from several decades to fruit production in less than three years.
The conference attracted participants from research institutions, universities, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, private businesses, civil society organisations, government agencies, the media, international missions and indigenous communities.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade