{
  "id": 3060750,
  "title": "Widespread soil acidity threatening farming and food security in Ghana – CSIR-SRI warns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/widespread-soil-acidity-threatening-farming-and-food-security-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T15:54:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/widespread-soil-acidity-threatening-farming-and-food-security-in-ghana-csir-sri-warns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana's agricultural sector faces a critical challenge as widespread soil acidity undermines farming and food security, according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI). Dr. Collins Tay, the institute's director, emphasized the severity of the issue, citing low organic matter and carbon content as exacerbating problems for sustainable agricultural development. The institute is grappling with managing soil resources amid these hurdles, hindering efforts to boost agricultural productivity.\n\nDr. Tay pointed out that some imported fertilizers may not align with Ghana's diverse soil conditions, with indiscriminate application contributing to degradation rather than improvement. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders to guide fertilizer use based on scientific evidence and local soil data. Developing fertilizer formulations tailored to Ghana's specific soil needs is crucial, he added.\n\nFunding for agricultural research remains a significant constraint, with the government providing salaries for researchers but not direct financial support. Donor agencies primarily fund the institute's scientific work, limiting its capacity to carry out trials on fertilizers. Despite its crucial role in providing soil fertility information, land suitability assessments, and agricultural mapping services, CSIR-SRI's ability to fully fulfill its mandate is hindered by inadequate domestic investment.\n\nThe CSIR-SRI's work is vital for ensuring agricultural productivity, but underinvestment and weak integration of scientific expertise into fertilizer policy could stifle innovation and jeopardize long-term food security. Dr. Tay called for a science-driven approach to fertilizer management, coupled with increased government support for agricultural research institutions to safeguard Ghana's soils. The two-day In-House Review and Research Planning Session, chaired by Prof. Vincent Logah, highlighted the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and adequate resources to maintain healthy and productive soils.",
  "summary": "Ghana’s food security is under serious threat as acidic soils have become widespread across the country, coupled with low organic matter and low carbon content, hampering agricultural productivity.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Widespread soil acidity threatens Ghana’s food security – CSIR-SRI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/widespread-soil-acidity-threatens-ghanas-food-security-csir-sri",
        "published": "2026-08-24T15:21:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}