Research institutes under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have emphasised their dedication to providing cutting-edge technology and evidence-based research outcomes.
This is part of their commitment to addressing the challenges confronting Ghana and the West Africa sub-region.
Professor Paul Bosu, Director General of CSIR, emphasised that the institutions would persist in efforts to develop and promote innovative technology, particularly in agriculture, to support Ghana and the broader sub-region.
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Advancing Sustainable Development Goals Through Agricultural Innovation
Speaking at the Regional Planning Meetings for Research Activities and Projects at CORAF Technology Park, Professor Bosu highlighted the institutions’ goal to support government policies, especially in achieving Sustainable Development Goal Two of zero hunger. He emphasised the contribution of CSIR in releasing crop varieties and agricultural technologies, stating that over 90 percent of the catalogued crop varieties in the last eight years were developed by CSIR, with the Crops Research Institute (CRI) leading in crop variety releases.
Technology Showcase for Agri-Business Growth
The three-day Regional Planning Meeting at CORAF Technology Park serves as a platform to showcase ready-to-go technologies developed by CSIR-CRI for farmers and stakeholders in the root and tuber crops value chain. Professor Bosu underscored the direct benefits of research and development investments, emphasising that the technologies developed over the years are actively used by farmers.
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CORAF’s Food System Resilience Program to Boost Agriculture
Highlighting the regional collaboration, Professor Bosu mentioned the launch of the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) by the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research (CORAF). The FSRP aims to build food system resilience in West Africa through strategic investments in digital advisory services, sustainable land and watershed management, agro-ecological approaches, and regional staple food value chain development. Ghana’s version of the FSRP is set to be launched in Kumasi soon.
Dr. Nieyidouba Lamien, CORAF’s Head of Food Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Policy Intervention, expressed the commitment to scaling up proven technologies and innovations. CORAF aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for farmers, processors, policymakers, and development partners, fostering the adoption of climate-smart, nutrition, and gender-sensitive technology and innovation to strengthen the agricultural sector. The collective efforts of research institutions and regional collaborations signal a strategic approach to leveraging technology for sustainable agriculture and food security in West Africa.