As farmers across Ghana struggle with shifting weather patterns and decreasing rainfall, scientists are advocating for the adoption of intercropping as a sustainable solution to climate change impacts.
The increasingly erratic climate is degrading soil fertility and threatening crop yields, raising serious concerns about national food security.
One promising approach is climate-smart agriculture, where cereal crops like maize are planted alongside nitrogen-fixing legumes such as pigeon pea. This method not only enhances soil health and boosts yields but also increases resilience to harsh weather conditions.
Last farming season, Ghana experienced an unusually long dry spell that devastated nearly one million acres of farmland. Thousands of farmers across eight regions lost their livelihoods as their crops failed under the extreme drought.
This year appears to be repeating the same pattern. The rains arrived late, and many farmers are already facing setbacks.
In Ejura, a key food-producing area, the effects of climate change are being felt deeply.
“For about three weeks now, the rains have let us down. They barely touch the farms. Last year’s harvest was poor, and this year seems no different,” lamented farmer Akua Dowaa.
But hope may be on the horizon.
At the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CRI) outstation in Ejura, researchers are working directly with farmers, introducing them to intercropping techniques as part of a broader climate adaptation strategy.
On demonstration plots, maize is grown alongside pigeon pea, a hardy leguminous plant. This combination helps retain soil moisture, improves nutrient cycling, and reduces vulnerability to climate extremes.
“When pigeon pea grows, it shades the soil, reducing evaporation. It also captures carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in the soil, lowering greenhouse gas emissions,” explained Dr. Eric Owusu Danquah, an agronomist with the CRI.
The demonstration field revealed noticeable differences: intercropped maize plants withstood rainstorms and stood upright, while those grown alone were weakened and bent.
Farmer Ataa Akosua, who adopted the technique, reported healthier crops despite irregular rainfall.
“If the rains had been consistent, I would’ve harvested even more. But even with the little rain, my maize is thriving,” she said, comparing this year’s performance to last season’s poor harvest.
Beyond rainfall, soil degradation is another major issue affecting productivity. Research shows Ghana’s soils are becoming increasingly acidic, largely due to overuse and improper application of synthetic fertilizers.
To counter this, scientists are introducing biochar—a form of charcoal made from agricultural waste like rice husks. This organic soil enhancer improves fertility and promotes microbial activity.
“The carbon in biochar supports microbial life, which is essential for soil health. It also retains important nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen,” explained Dr. Felix Frimpong.
These practices are part of the DIVAGRI project (Diversification Pathways in Africa through Bio-based and Circular Agricultural Innovations), which aims to equip farmers with sustainable, climate-smart tools.
“We help farmers move beyond monoculture by diversifying their farms and using agricultural waste to generate income and build resilience,” said Ing. Dr. Shadrack Kwadwo Amponsah, the project’s lead.
Farmers exposed to these techniques are optimistic and are calling for nationwide adoption to improve agricultural productivity and safeguard Ghana’s food future.
