Dr. Nyaaba calls for sustainable transport and organic inputs to support farmers

Former Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Dr Charles Nyaaba, is advocating for increased investment in sustainable transport and eco-friendly agricultural inputs to aid farmers in overcoming production obstacles. Inadequate transportation from farms to markets often leaves many farmers, especially in less accessible farming communities, with unmarketable produce, according to Dr Nyaaba.

He spoke at the Ecobank-JoyBusiness Financial Dialogue Series and suggested that innovative transport solutions, such as battery-powered vehicles, could enhance the delivery of farm produce from production centers to markets. An example he provided was the use of rechargeable battery-powered yard systems to demonstrate how alternative energy solutions could benefit agricultural communities.

Dr Nyaaba emphasized the necessity of improving transport infrastructure and systems at the farm level to help farmers transport their produce to nearby markets and efficiently connect with consumers. He also expressed concerns about farmers' continued reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, advocating for improved access to organic alternatives.

While organic fertilizers and pesticides are beginning to enter the market, challenges persist regarding their quality, availability, and adoption among farmers. Dr Nyaaba called for greater support in developing and distributing high-quality organic fertilizers and pesticides, as well as financing mechanisms to make these products more accessible to smallholder farmers.

He stressed that a wider approach to green financing should encompass not only renewable energy for agricultural production but also sustainable transportation and environmentally friendly farm inputs. By implementing these interventions, Dr Nyaaba believes that the environmental impact of agriculture can be reduced while improving farmers' ability to transport their produce, reduce production costs, and access markets.