The Executive Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Paul Bosu, has called on farmers to embrace modern agricultural technologies to enhance productivity and ensure sustainability amidst growing climate challenges.

He made this appeal during a joint symposium held in Accra by CSIR and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF).

The event, themed “Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability: The Pathway to Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa,” brought together researchers, policymakers, and agricultural experts to discuss innovative solutions for improving food systems in the region.

In his address, Dr Paul Bosu highlighted the critical role of scientific research and technology in mitigating the effects of drought and other environmental challenges on agriculture.

“We need research to develop technologies that will help us achieve resilience. Research will help create technologies that are tolerant to drought,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of farmers adopting innovative farming techniques and tools to enhance crop yields and safeguard food security.

“The other aspect is for our farmers to adopt these technologies and use them. If all the technologies are developed, but the farmers still prefer to use old methods, we will achieve little,” he noted. Research is more important now than ever. Farmers must adapt to new ways of farming to improve agricultural output and ensure sustainability,” Dr Bosu stated.

The Executive Director of CORAF, Dr Moumini Savadogo, also underscored the importance of investing in agricultural innovation to guarantee food quality and availability. He urged agricultural experts to accelerate efforts to equip farmers with the knowledge and resources necessary to overcome current challenges.

“We need food that is of quality, affordable, and accessible. That is what we are all striving for, and this symposium can help provide some solutions,” Dr Savadogo stated.

The symposium concluded with a commitment to foster stronger collaboration among agricultural stakeholders in the region.

As global climate conditions continue to threaten agriculture, the insights and resolutions from the symposium are expected to shape policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability and resilient agrifood systems.