The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has introduced farmers in Manwe and Goripie in the Wa East District to climate-resilient and high-yield hybrid maize varieties. The introduction took place at a recent farmers’ field day in Manwe, organized by CSIR-SARI as part of the “Participatory On-Farm Testing of Stress-Tolerant Maize in the Upper West Region of Ghana” project, funded by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
During the event, farmers explored the benefits of these new maize varieties, which are designed to be stress-tolerant and adaptable to climate challenges. Demonstration fields showcased the hybrids’ performance under various conditions, allowing farmers to see firsthand how these crops could help mitigate the impact of irregular rainfall.
Dr. Mahama G. Yakubu, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-SARI’s Wa station, explained that these hybrids are engineered to mature early and withstand water scarcity, ensuring better yields even during drought. “Climate-smart hybrids are essential because they not only mature quickly and resist drought, but also align with consumer preferences, thus boosting farmers’ livelihoods,” Dr. Yakubu said. He emphasized that shorter maturity periods make these hybrids particularly well-suited to the erratic rainfall common in northern Ghana.
He also highlighted that by adopting stress-tolerant maize, farmers can achieve greater food security and diversify their crops. This, in turn, supports a more balanced diet, improved soil fertility, and better income stability.
However, Dr. Yakubu stressed that these hybrids will reach their full yield potential only if farmers follow good agronomic practices (GAPs). Key GAPs include proper land preparation, timely weeding, pest control, and the “4Rs” of nutrient stewardship—applying the right nutrients at the right source, rate, time, and place.
Farmers who attended the event expressed optimism, noting that these improved maize varieties could help them adapt to the challenges posed by climate variability and improve their harvests in the future.
