Ghana launches climate-resilient wheat research to cut import dependence

GHANA – Ghana has launched a research initiative to develop wheat varieties suitable for its climate, marking a significant step toward reducing its total dependence on wheat imports.

Ghana currently imports 100% of its wheat, with no significant local production. Projections from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimate the country’s wheat consumption will reach 865,000 tonnes in the 2024/2025 period, all of which will be sourced through imports.

To shield the country from import burdens, the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) announced the project on February 7, emphasizing collaboration with key stakeholders, including local agricultural company Arima Farms and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

The initiative will focus on research and development, seed improvement, farmer training, and partnerships with industry players. The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable local wheat sector to gradually reduce Ghana’s dependency on imports.

“Ghana’s heavy reliance on wheat imports is unsustainable in the long term. Through this initiative, CSIR-CRI aims to identify and develop wheat varieties that can thrive in our local environment, thereby ensuring a stable and local supply of this essential grain,” stated Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of CSIR-CRI.

In 2023, Ghana’s wheat import bill amounted to nearly 2.73 billion cedis (US$176 million), according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The majority of these imports come from countries such as Canada, Russia, and the United States, with wheat serving as a key ingredient in bread, pasta, and other staple foods.

The burgeoning consumption is attributed to an increasing appetite for wheat-based products. Per capita wheat consumption in Ghana has been steadily rising due to urbanization and changing dietary preferences where bread and pastries are becoming daily staples.

However, despite the country’s efforts to boost local production, challenges such as unsuitable climatic conditions, limited irrigation infrastructure, and the dominance of traditional staples like maize and cassava have hindered wheat farming efforts.

According to the USDA, Ghana is set to see a sharp increase in grain imports, with maize imports forecasted to rise to 300,000 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season, nearly eleven times higher than the 28,000 tonnes imported in the previous season.

Coupled with wheat imports expected to total 865,000 tonnes, Ghana’s total grain imports are anticipated to hit 1.2 million tonnes.

This initiative, therefore, aligns with broader regional efforts to explore local wheat production despite West Africa’s traditionally unfavorable climate for the crop.

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