The Oti Regional Directorate of Agriculture (MoFA) has revealed that the region’s agricultural sector has been severely impacted by drought, resulting in significant losses for farmers. According to Mr. O’Brien Nyarko, the Oti Regional Director of Agriculture, approximately 58,719 hectares of crops have been affected by the drought.
This represents nearly half of the 127,920 hectares of land cultivated in the region. The affected crops include staple foods such as maize, rice, yam, groundnut, soybean, millet, cassava, cowpea, sorghum, and pepper.
Mr. Nyarko disclosed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that 76,016 farmers have been affected by the drought, comprising 58,001 males and 18,015 females. The Regional Director noted that the drought has had a devastating impact on the region’s agricultural sector, leaving farmers who rely heavily on rainfall helpless.
Statistics indicate that 26,729 maize farmers, 38,449 rice farmers, and 6,933 yam farmers have been affected. Additionally, 3,397 groundnut farmers, 280 soybean farmers, 37 millet farmers, 95 cassava farmers, 32 cowpea farmers, 25 sorghum farmers, and 39 pepper farmers have also suffered losses.
The report further revealed that the Biakoye District has been the hardest hit, with 93,437 farmers affected. Other districts affected include Jasikan, Krachi East Municipal, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, Guan, Kadjebi, Krachi West, and Krachi Nchumuru.
The drought’s impact on food security in the region is a growing concern, and farmers are bearing the brunt of the disaster.
