Rediscovering Ghana’s agricultural roots: The promise of regenerative maize farming

In recent years, the concept of regenerative agriculture has gained significant traction worldwide, heralding a return to more sustainable and holistic farming practices. Interestingly, this modern agricultural movement is deeply rooted in the traditional farming methods that were prevalent in Ghana’s history.

Long before the advent of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, Ghanaian farmers relied on organic practices to cultivate their crops, nurturing the land and ensuring its fertility for future generations. Today, as Sahel Grains collaborates with Nestle to promote regenerative agriculture, we see a promising future that blends these time-honoured practices with innovative approaches to maize farming.

Sahel Grains is a maize aggregation and processing company. They use modern, safe, and healthy approaches to produce traditional African foods, under the FAAST brand name, with grains (and other raw materials) sourced from thousands of smallholder rural farmers.

Enhancing Productivity Through Regenerative Agriculture

1.Moisture Retention: Historically, Ghanaian farmers practiced methods that conserved water and maintained soil moisture, crucial for crop survival during dry spells. Regenerative agriculture continues this legacy by employing techniques like cover cropping and reduced tillage, which improve the soil’s ability to retain water. This ensures that maize crops have a steady supply of moisture, even in times of drought, leading to more reliable and bountiful harvests. At Sahel Grains, traditional ploughing, which turns the soil over excessively and exposes too much moisture, is being replaced by ripping and harrowing. These methods disturb the soil less and help maintain its moisture content.

2.Enhanced Nutrient Availability: In the past, farmers in Ghana relied on natural compost and organic matter to enrich their soils. Regenerative agriculture builds on this foundation by enhancing soil health and making essential nutrients, such as phosphorus, more available to plants. Through the use of compost and organic fertilizers, nutrients are cycled naturally, promoting healthier maize growth and reducing the dependency on synthetic inputs. Sahel Grains is implementing these practices by providing smallholder farmers with access to high-quality organic compost and training on its effective use.

3.Reduced Stress for Plants: Traditional farming in Ghana emphasised biodiversity and crop rotations, which naturally mitigated pests and diseases while promoting resilient plant varieties. Today, regenerative practices echo these methods by incorporating diverse crop rotations and intercropping, thus reducing biotic stresses from pests and diseases and abiotic stresses caused by climatic extremes. This results in stronger, more resilient maize plants capable of thriving under varying conditions. Sahel Grains is working with Nestle to introduce these methods to smallholder farmers, helping them manage and reduce stress on their crops.

4.Increased Plant Density and Yield: As soil health is restored through regenerative practices, the soil’s ability to support higher plant densities improves. Healthier soil with better structure and nutrient availability can sustain more plants per acre, substantially boosting yields. This increased plant density is a critical factor in maximizing productivity on existing farmland, making it possible to meet growing food demands without expanding into new areas. Regenerative agriculture increases plant vitality and germination rates, enhancing the likelihood of successful establishment and higher yields.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

5.Increased Shelf Life of Produce: Ghanaian farmers of the past were known for producing high-quality, nutrient-dense crops that lasted longer post-harvest. Regenerative agriculture continues this tradition by improving soil health and plant nutrition, resulting in maize with enhanced shelf life. This benefit is crucial for reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a consistent supply of quality maize for both farmers and consumers. Sahel Grains is emphasising the use of cover crops to protect and enrich the soil, thereby producing maize that maintains its quality for a longer period.

6.Economic Savings and Premium Pricing: One of the substantial benefits of regenerative agriculture is the economic savings it offers to farmers. By reducing or eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are often imported at high costs, farmers can significantly lower their production expenses. The reliance on natural compost and organic fertilizers not only cuts costs but also addresses concerns about the efficacy and safety of synthetic fertilizers. With many fertilizers on the market of unknown origins and compositions, regenerative practices provide a safer, more reliable alternative. This shift not only improves profitability for farmers but also contributes to a more sustainable agricultural economy. Sahel Grains is facilitating this transition by offering financial support and training programmes to help farmers adopt these cost-effective practices.

To further encourage the adoption of regenerative practices, Sahel Grains, in collaboration with Nestle, supports farmers with premium pricing. This economic incentive ensures that farmers receive better compensation for their produce, making the transition to regenerative agriculture more attractive and financially viable. By rewarding farmers for their sustainable practices, Sahel Grains and Nestle are fostering a more resilient and prosperous agricultural community.

7. Return on Investment (ROI) and Job Creation: Regenerative agriculture not only offers environmental benefits but also delivers a strong return on investment (ROI) for farmers. The initial costs of transitioning to regenerative practices are offset by the reduced need for synthetic inputs and the premium prices paid for sustainably grown maize. On average, farmers can see a ROI of 20-30% within the first few years of adopting regenerative practices, with potential for higher returns as soil health improves and yields increase.

Additionally, the adoption of regenerative agriculture can create significant job opportunities. As farmers transition to these labour-intensive practices, there is a greater need for skilled labour in areas such as compost production, cover cropping, and diversified planting systems. This can lead to the creation of thousands of jobs in rural areas, boosting local economies and providing stable employment opportunities.

8.Carbon Sequestration and Potential Economic Benefits: Regenerative agriculture also holds significant potential for carbon sequestration. Practices such as minimum tillage, cover cropping, and the use of organic matter enhance the soil’s ability to capture and store carbon. This not only helps mitigate climate change but also presents an economic opportunity for farmers. As global markets increasingly recognise the value of carbon credits, farmers practicing regenerative agriculture could benefit from selling these credits. It is estimated that farmers could earn between $7.50 and $45 per acre annually from carbon credits, depending on the specific practices and market conditions. Sahel Grains is exploring the potential to price carbon, which would provide additional financial incentives to farmers. This approach aligns economic interests with environmental sustainability, offering farmers a new revenue stream while contributing to global climate goals.

Meeting Ghana’s Future Food Requirements

Ghana’s population is projected to significantly increase by 2050, with estimates suggesting it could reach approximately 52 million people. To meet the corresponding rise in food demand, maize production will need to increase by approximately 68%. Given the limited availability of arable land and the need to minimise deforestation, increasing productivity on existing farmland is essential. Regenerative agriculture provides a viable solution by improving soil health and crop yields, allowing farmers to produce more food sustainably without expanding into new areas.

Addressing Deforestation and Land Scarcity

Ghana faces significant challenges related to deforestation and land scarcity. The country loses approximately 135,000 hectares of forest each year due to agricultural expansion, logging, and other factors. This deforestation not only reduces biodiversity but also contributes to carbon emissions, undermining Ghana’s commitments to reduce its carbon footprint.

Currently, Ghana has about 4.7 million hectares of arable land, which accounts for roughly 20.7% of its total land area. However, this arable land is under pressure from both urbanization and agricultural expansion, leading to its gradual depletion. This underscores the urgency of increasing sustainable productivity to meet future food demands without further depleting arable land.  Soils under cultivation in Ghana lose between 30-60 kg of nutrients per hectare per year, highlighting the need for soil rehabilitation. Regenerative agriculture is essentially soil rehabilitation to build back and preserve lost nutrients, ensuring long-term sustainability and productivity.  Excessive reliance on synthetic fertilizers can contribute to soil damage, making them not economically durable for the long term. There are a number of farms in Ghana facing this challenge, emphasising the need for regenerative practices that restore and maintain soil health.

Deforestation exacerbates land scarcity, making it difficult to find new arable land for farming. Consequently, increasing productivity on existing farmland is essential. Regenerative agriculture provides a solution by improving soil health and increasing crop yields, allowing farmers to produce more food sustainably without expanding into new areas.

The Impact of Climate Change on Yields

The impact of climate change on crop yields is uneven. For instance, maize yields in Ghana are projected to decline by about 24%, while wheat yields might increase by about 17%. To forestall this devastating yield reduction, the resilience provided by regenerative agriculture is vital. By enhancing soil health and promoting biodiversity, regenerative practices can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring more stable and sustainable crop production.

Addressing the Yield Gap and Export Potential

To fully capitalise on these opportunities, Ghana needs to address the yield gap in maize cultivation. Currently, the average maize yield in Ghana is lower than the global average. However, regenerative agriculture has the potential to close this gap through improved soil health and farming practices. If yields can be increased to match or exceed global averages, Ghana could generate a substantial surplus for export.

Assuming a potential yield increase of 50% through regenerative practices, Ghana could produce an additional 1.75 million metric tons of maize annually. At current global prices, this surplus could be worth approximately $350 million in foreign exchange. This projection underscores the economic potential of regenerative agriculture not only for domestic food security but also as a driver of export growth.

Linking Smallholders with Global Brands

Sahel Grains’ partnership with Nestle serves as an exemplary model for linking smallholder farmers with multinational brands. This collaboration not only benefits the farmers through premium pricing and training but also enhances the Nestle brand by associating it with sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. This model can inspire other multinational brands in the West to follow suit, creating a robust market for sustainably produced maize.

A National Effort for Global Supply and Processing Hub

With a concerted national effort, Ghana has the potential to become a global supplier of organic certified regenerative maize. By focusing on sustainable practices and premium pricing incentives, Ghana can create a compelling value proposition for global brands looking to associate with high-quality, sustainably sourced products. This could open up significant export opportunities and enable the country to earn valuable foreign exchange.

Moreover, establishing Ghana as a global processing hub for maize-based snacks would further enhance the economic impact. By processing maize locally into high-value products such as snacks for global brands, Ghana can create numerous manufacturing jobs, driving industrial growth and technological advancement. This move would not only provide employment opportunities but also position Ghana as a key player in the global food supply chain. 

Employment and Technological Advantages

The establishment of a maize processing hub in Ghana can have substantial employment benefits. It is estimated that for every ton of maize processed, several jobs can be created in the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution sectors. Specifically, a maize processing hub could create:

• Manufacturing Jobs: Approximately 7,500 jobs in processing plants, including roles in machine operation, quality control, and maintenance.
• Packaging Jobs: Around 5,000 jobs in packaging facilities, covering roles from packaging design to logistics.
• Distribution Jobs: An estimated 3,000 jobs in transportation and logistics to manage the distribution of maize-based products both domestically and internationally.

Technologically, setting up processing facilities will necessitate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. This will enhance local expertise and stimulate innovation in the agricultural and food processing sectors. The transfer of technology and knowledge can lead to improved efficiencies and product quality, making Ghana a competitive player in the global market.

Conclusion

The revival of regenerative agriculture in Ghana is not just a nod to sustainable practices; it is a reawakening of the country’s rich agricultural heritage. By integrating these traditional methods with modern innovations, we can achieve a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. As Sahel Grains works with Nestle to meet its regenerative sourcing requirements, it is leading the way in demonstrating how these practices can transform maize farming. The journey back to our roots promises healthier soils, more productive crops, and a sustainable future for Ghana’s agriculture. With the added benefits of premium pricing, carbon sequestration, job creation, and the ability to meet future food requirements sustainably, the economic and environmental advantages of regenerative agriculture make it a compelling path forward for farmers and the entire agricultural sector.

Authored by: Kwame A. Boateng

The author is the founder and CEO of Sahel Grains Ltd, based in Techiman. He previously worked as a Consultant with McKinsey & Co. in New Jersey, and as an Integrated Circuit Design Engineer with IBM Microelectronics Division in Rochester, Minnesota. Kwame holds an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School, and BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle, but is most proud to be an ƆdadeƐ.

Co-author: Dr Henry Anim-Somuah

The co-author is the co-founder and Director of Operations at Agromite Limited. Henry has taught at various universities including the University of Guelph, Wilfred Laurier University, Brantford Ontario, and the University of Ghana. He has also worked at the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guelph Ontario.

Henry has consulted extensively for IFAD, FAO and AfDB. Dr Anim-Somuah holds a PhD in Food, Agriculture and Resources Economics from University of Guelph, MPhil in Agricultural Administration, from University of Ghana, Legon and B.Sc in Agricultural Engineering, from KNUST, and a proud ƆdadeƐ.