The 7th Annual Conference of the Ghana Association of Agricultural Economists (GAAE) was held at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Ghana, bringing together agricultural economists, researchers, policymakers, and professionals from across the country. The four-day event, which started on 2 October 2024, focused on key challenges affecting agriculture in Ghana and beyond, including climate change, food security, environmental sustainability, agricultural finance, and rural development. During the opening session, the President of GAAE, Professor Daniel Bruce Sarpong, highlighted the importance of the conference as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing research findings, and developing practical solutions for Ghana’s agricultural sector. Participants were encouraged to contribute actionable recommendations capable of influencing both policy and field practice.
The conference also underlined the urgent need to protect natural resources and strengthen climate resilience. Representatives from the host institution and the agricultural sector drew attention to threats such as illegal mining, environmental degradation, and changing weather patterns, which continue to affect water bodies, farming systems, and rural livelihoods.
The themes discussed are closely aligned with the objectives of the AGRECOFARM project, which promotes agroecology education, sustainable farming systems, and knowledge transfer in West Africa. By supporting collaboration among universities, researchers, institutions, and local stakeholders, AGRECOFARM contributes to the development of skills and strategies needed to build more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible food systems.
Source: (https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/agric-economists/2024/) Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, “Agric Economists hold annual conference at UDS Tamale”, 7 October 2024.