Accra: The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has partnered with Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture to train Agricultural Extension officers, aiming to boost food security and promote sustainable farming practices.
According to Ghana News Agency, the collaboration will span from April to September 2025, beginning with a five-week pilot phase as a precursor to broader implementation. The training programme intends to equip Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) with the necessary knowledge, practical skills, and resources to support farmers, improve agricultural practices and productivity, while ensuring sustainable farming in Ghana.
In a statement released in Accra, it was announced that Professor Michael Osae, Director of BNARI, and Ms. Gabriella Grner, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Project Coordinator at Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to secure commitments from both entities.
During the signing ceremony, Prof. Osae highlighted the collaboration as a significant step in transforming Ghana’s agricultural extension services. ‘This partnership marks the beginning of a vital learning journey aimed at strengthening the capacities of our Agricultural Extension Officers who are key to the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector,’ he remarked.
He emphasized the crucial role extension officers play in linking research institutions, policymakers, and farmers, ensuring that innovations and best practices are effectively communicated and adopted at the grassroots level. Prof. Osae stated, ‘Their responsibilities go beyond providing advice; they empower farmers with the skills and knowledge to increase productivity, enhance food safety, adapt to climate change, and improve livelihoods. That is why this training is so important for Ghana’s agricultural development agenda.’
He further indicated that participants will receive training in key areas such as extension methodology, agricultural knowledge and information systems, business planning, cooperative models for small-scale farmers, and postharvest management techniques.