Concerns about the safety of the food we consume are on the rise, with issues regarding the use of agrochemicals and their impact on our health and the environment gaining more attention. Recent findings from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, 2022) reveal that approximately 385 million cases of pesticide poisoning occur annually, leading to 11,000 deaths globally. This is a cause for worry as the continuous use of agrochemicals has been a major contributor to the recent rise in cases of food poisoning in Ghana.
In 2003, a significant increase in the use of pesticides and insecticides, including Lambda-cyhalothrin, was observed in Ghana. The continuous use of these agrochemicals has become a major contributor to cases of food poisoning in the country. For example, in 2010, 15 people lost their lives in the Upper East region as a result of pesticide poisoning, with 118 persons falling sick from food contaminated with pesticides. These incidents highlight the direct and immediate impact of modern agricultural practices on the health of Ghanaians.
Modern agriculture, characterized by monocropping, synthetic fertilizers, and soil depletion, has led to a 38% drop in essential nutrients in popular vegetables since 1950. Additionally, the constant application of synthetic fertilizers diminishes microbial activity and eradicates soil biodiversity, rendering the soil useless in the long term for cultivating crops. These practices have compromised the environment and disrupted crucial natural processes like pollination.
The relationship between agricultural production and climate change is also significant, as the global food system is responsible for one-third of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change and disrupting food production patterns. It is essential to note that consumers hold significant power in shaping the practices of food producers. It is imperative that we, as consumers, care deeply about what we eat and actively demand a shift towards food production methods rooted in sustainable farming practices.
Ghana’s government has sought to fight food insecurity and create jobs through initiatives such as ‘Planting for Food and Jobs.’ However, the emphasis on modern agricultural practices through the distribution of subsidized agrochemicals must be re-evaluated. It’s time to redesign Ghana’s food system to focus on practices that prioritize environmental health, citizen well-being, and the delicate equilibrium of soil and biodiversity.
As we navigate the complexities of our food systems, we must weigh the long-term consequences of inaction. While inorganic fertilizers may promise increased crop yields and income for the short term, agroecological farmers emphasize sustained economic benefits, contributing to broader goals of sustainable and eco-conscious agriculture.
As an environmentalist and advocate for sustainable agri-food systems, I have worked with eco-friendly practices like “agroecology” – sustainable farming that works with nature. My experience includes leading an agroforestry project in Ghana, where we successfully steer clear of inorganic chemicals and foster a harmonious relationship between farming and nature.
The urgency for sustainable practices is underscored by the alarming fact that about 140 million people in Africa face acute food insecurity, with at least one in five going to bed hungry. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the environment, food safety, and the health and well-being of all individuals in order to create a sustainable and resilient food system for Ghana.
