By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has underscored the livestock industry’s critical role to the economy – particularly for food and nutrition security and sustainable development.
“As we look to the future, it is clear that the livestock sector holds immense potential for Ghana. By focusing on innovation, collaboration and sustainability, we can create a thriving livestock industry that not only meets the needs of our people but also positions Ghana in the global livestock market,” he stated.
He said this at the media launch of ‘National Livestock Day’ in Accra. It was organised by the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF) in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and Ministry of National Security, under the theme ‘A thriving livestock industry toward sustainable food and nutrition security for economic growth‘.
The event aims to ensure that livestock farming receives essential support to flourish and remain a key component of the country’s agricultural development strategy.
According to him, government’s ongoing efforts to invest in infrastructure, training and market access are aimed at ensuring every livestock farmer has the tools they need to succeed.
Mr. Acheampong noted: “Livestock plays a vital role in the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, especially in rural areas where farmers depend on it for income and sustenance. Our efforts to improve the sector will not only lift farmers out of poverty but also strengthen Ghana’s position in the global livestock market. Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the livestock industry is evident through our various initiatives and policies designed to support farmers, increase productivity and ensure the sector’s sustainability”.
As part of these efforts, he explained, the ministry is encouraging the adoption of semi-intensive and intensive livestock farming systems – which will significantly increase productivity while preserving natural resources.
The minister revealed that despite acknowledging progress made in the livestock industry, several challenges persist, including conflicts between livestock herders and crop farmers among others.
“While we recognise the progress that has been made, we are also aware of challenges which continue to face the livestock industry. These include conflicts between livestock herders and crop farmers, disease management, access to quality feed and the need for improved infrastructure and market access. We are committed to addressing these challenges through our collaboration with key stakeholders, including our partners from the Ministry of National Security – who have been instrumental in fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders,” he mentioned.
Mr. Acheampong mentioned that the National Livestock Day event will be held at Efua Sutherland Park in Accra on 3rd – 4th October 2024 to acknowledge the contributions of livestock farmers across the country.
“This event is organised by Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Ministry of National Security, and dedicated to Ruminant Livestock (small and large ruminants). It comes at a crucial time when our nation is placing greater emphasis on development of the agricultural sector.
“Today, as we come together for the National Livestock Day launch that comes off at Efua Sutherland Park, Accra, we celebrate the contributions of livestock farmers across the country and the sector’s essential role in creating jobs, providing nutrition and food security to our people and generating economic growth for our country,” he said.
“This event is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for all of us to work together o n advancing the livestock industry. By sponsoring and partnering with GNACAF, you are not only contributing to growth of a critical sector but also playing a part in ensuring food security for the future,” he added.
He reiterated his outfit’s commitment to working closely with international partners in bringing new technologies and resources to the sector, further enhancing its growth.
“The event will not only increase the livestock industry’s visibility but also foster youth participation, attract investments and encourage the adoption of improved livestock farming systems. Our aim is to create a platform for knowledge-exchange, promote dialogue among stakeholders and address some key challenges facing the sector: including farmer/herder conflicts, ineffective livestock data collection and animal health issues,” said Hanafi Sonde, President-Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF).
According to him, National Livestock Day is being launched to highlight the livestock industry’s vital role played in Ghana’s food security, economic growth and job creation. It also aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, raise public awareness of the industry’s contributions and promote best practices for sustainable livestock production.
Mr. Sonde revealed that: “As part of our efforts to raise awareness about the importance of livestock, we are embarking on a nationwide tour to engage livestock farmers, processors and the general public across the country. To ensure success for this campaign, we invite the media to partner with us fully in helping share this crucial message with a wider audience. The media’s role in amplifying our voice and educating the public on benefits of a thriving livestock industry is indispensable, and we look forward to your full involvement”.
Ag. Deputy Director-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Animal Research Institute, Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, mentioned that in 2022 the country saw a GH¢4.9billion contribution from livestock to the national GDP.
“Livestock’s contribution is not limited to food and nutritional security alone, but includes multipurpose uses such as provision of manure for crop farming and hides for manufacturing footwear and bags. Livestock also play an important role in some major cultural and religious activities of the country,” she added.
According to her, the CSIR-Animal Research Institute per its mandate has developed several demand-driven technologies in the livestock and poultry subsectors. These include improved livestock and poultry breeds, improved livestock feed production, value addition to livestock products and good quality pasture materials. The Institute also provides training for livestock farmers.
She pledged her outfit’s willingness to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers and other key stakeholders in the livestock value chain toward achieving national self-sufficiency in food and nutritional security, as well as income generation through improved and sustainable livestock production.
