GHANA – The 2024/2025 maize harvest in Ghana is expected to reach only 2.3 million tonnes, marking a dramatic 36% decrease, according to projections from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
With the drought affecting the country, the UDSA projection predicts a shortfall in maize production from last year’s harvest of 3.4 million tonnes and a 28% drop compared to the five-year average.
The reduced harvest has raised alarms about potential food insecurity, particularly as maize is the staple cereal for much of Ghana’s population.
The crop, primarily grown between May and June, faced substantial challenges when drought struck key agricultural regions between July and August. This has significantly affected planting and crop development, especially in the northern regions that account for 62% of the country’s cereal production.
The drought’s impact is further exacerbated by the shrinking land allocated for maize production. The USDA reports that the total area of land expected to be harvested will be down by 15% from the previous season, dropping to 1.1 million hectares.
In response to the looming food shortage, the Ghanaian government has banned the export of maize to ensure sufficient availability for the domestic market.
Maize consumption for the 2024/2025 season is forecasted at 3.5 million tonnes, with more than 80%—or 2.8 million tonnes, intended for human consumption.
Northern regions hardest hit
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in a statement issued on August 26, highlighted that the drought has most severely impacted eight northern regions. These regions are crucial to the country’s food security as they produce a majority of the maize supply.
“We are seeing the worst of the climatic conditions in the north, which threatens not only local farmers’ livelihoods but also national food security,” said a ministry spokesperson.
The government has initiated various mitigation strategies, including water conservation measures and support for affected farmers.
Ghana’s reliance on maize as a dietary staple makes this shortage particularly concerning. With an estimated 2.8 million tonnes consumed directly by households, any significant price hikes could push more families into food insecurity.
Efforts are now being directed toward bolstering domestic reserves and ensuring that local markets remain well-supplied in the coming months.
The government, in partnership with international organizations, is exploring emergency relief options, including food aid and importation of maize from neighboring countries.
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