Prof. Charles Tortoe, Executive Director of the Food Research Institute at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has called for the implementation of targeted policies to create a market for indigenous Ghanaian crops, aiming to boost the health and well-being of the nation.
Prof. Tortoe proposed that this initiative could begin with the shea butter market and gradually extend to other crops. He emphasized that such a strategy would not only promote sustainable agriculture but also strengthen Ghana’s food system.
“We need to specifically develop markets for these indigenous crops. For Ghana, starting with shea butter could be a strong first step,” Prof. Tortoe stated.
He made these remarks during the keynote address at a validation workshop and policy dialogue focused on increasing the consumption of indigenous fruits and vegetables to enhance dietary habits in Ghana.
Prof. Tortoe highlighted the untapped potential of these indigenous crops and stressed the importance of improving value chain linkages to maximize their benefits.
Prof. Charles Tortoe emphasized the potential of indigenous crops as superfoods, noting their significant nutritional benefits. He highlighted that these crops possess valuable properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-carbohydrate benefits that can be utilized to meet the country’s nutritional needs and beyond.
However, Prof. Tortoe expressed concern over the impact of deforestation, bush burning, and illegal mining on the extinction of many indigenous crops. He lamented that crops once familiar from childhood are now scarce due to these environmental challenges, particularly during the dry season when bushfires are prevalent.
He stressed the need for more data on the nutritional value of these indigenous crops to boost their acceptance and advocated for increased investment in the sector. Prof. Tortoe urged the public to incorporate indigenous fruits and vegetables into their diets, asserting that these crops have great potential to enhance the food system, improve health, and support sustainable agriculture.
Additionally, he suggested that advancements in harvesting and storage technologies could help address some of the sector’s challenges.
Dr. Gloria Essilfie, Food Microbiologist at the Department of Crop Science, University of Ghana, and Project Lead, outlined the project “Enhancing the Production and Consumption of African Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Diets in Ghana and Mali.”
This project focuses on five key areas: identifying and characterizing selected indigenous fruits and vegetables, conducting value chain analyses, improving postharvest handling and preservation, establishing an innovation center for indigenous enterprises, and disseminating technologies and methods to extend the shelf life and raise awareness of these crops.
Dr. Essilfie noted that these observations will significantly influence policy briefs aimed at boosting the production and consumption of indigenous fruits and vegetables to enhance diets in both countries.
She explained that analyzing the value chain will provide a clearer understanding of large-scale production for vegetables and fruits. “It’s nutritious, but some of these crops are grown unintentionally or in an unstructured manner. We need to conduct a value chain analysis to fully grasp the entire process.”
Dr. Essilfie emphasized the need for increased awareness about the benefits of indigenous vegetables and fruits. Despite their importance in the diets of many Sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, these foods have not yet been fully utilized to improve nutritional outcomes.
The project’s key activity involves researching the structural and systemic aspects of four selected indigenous crops in Ghana. Consultant Eric Worlanyo Deffor highlighted that while these crops—okra, kontomire, garden eggs, and turkey berry—hold significant potential, they face several challenges. “The project aims to examine the value chain from production to marketing and consumption. Although there is potential for these crops, farmers are currently struggling with issues such as access to finance and necessary inputs.”
He added, “Our goal is also to promote turkey berries as an export commodity within Ghana, given their associated health benefits.”
Regarding recommendations, Mr. Deffor mentioned, “We need to modernize our transport system to ensure that vegetables are transported from the farm gate to markets in a way that preserves their quality and maintains safety throughout the value chain.”
A panel discussion followed, with participants advocating for intentional strategies and plans to enhance the promotion of indigenous vegetables and fruits.
