The Local Governance Network (LOGNet) has reaffirmed its commitment to complementing all state and private sector actors on sustainable agricultural practices that preserve the environment and enhance productivity.

Such practices also conserve water, enrich soil, and reduce carbon footprints or address climate change interventions.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the President of LOGNet, Christopher Dapaah, to mark National Famers Day.

“As you may be aware, our strength lies in our community, so by working together, we can overcome challenges and build a resilient agricultural sector,” the statement said.

LOGNet is an umbrella organisation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working to promote effective decentralisation and local governance in Ghana. 

It called for support for the local farmers as the country finds innovative ways to build a resilient agricultural sector.

“Let's support our local farmers, invest in community-based solutions, and advocate for policies that promote sustainability through Community Supporting initiatives through indigenous knowledge and practices,” it said.

The statement noted that CSOs have analysed the various agricultural policies of past and present governments, and the results indicate that citizens and will-be governments are embracing innovative farming practices and technologies, adapting and mitigating climate change interventions.

“As we commend the proposed agricultural policies in the manifestoes of the political parties, we are calling on all citizens to support the next government in sharing knowledge and resources equitably to make policies and programs more practical, not just rhetoric statements,” LOGNet added.

The statement underscored the crucial need to raise awareness and educate the public on the negative impacts of climate change on the survival of humans and agriculture.

“Let's raise awareness to empower our communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions for the agricultural sector-wide approach for creating and sustaining employment opportunities and local economic development,” the statement stressed.

LOGNet expresses its hope and determination to build a future where agriculture thrives while food security is guaranteed for all.

It further said this could be achieved through implementing climate-smart agriculture initiatives, financial incentives to local smallholder farmers, building capacities of farmers and extension officers, diversifying crops, access to markets, technological advancement in modern agriculture practices, and ensuring food security on a sustainable basis.

The statement added, "To undertake the interventions, we need all stakeholders on board to bring the needed resources available for making agriculture development a reality, not only empty words or rhetoric policies but with practicalities”.