Ghana: TAAT and partners showcase improved maize varieties to farmers

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November 4, 2025

Ghana: TAAT and partners showcase improved maize varieties to farmers

To improve productivity, nutrition, and the incomes of smallholder farmers in Ghana, the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme organised a field day on 3 November 2025 in Tolon to showcase newly developed maize varieties.

In partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR–SARI) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Ghana (MoFA), TAAT highlighted four new high-yielding hybrid maize varieties promoted under its maize interventions.

Several varieties were presented, including CSIR Dimaali-Engee (a Provitamin A biofortified maize for enhanced nutrition), CRI Abebe (another Provitamin A-rich hybrid preferred by farmers), CSIR Adubi-Boyo (a Quality Protein Maize – QPM – hybrid with an improved amino acid profile), and CSIR Denbea (a high-yielding hybrid resistant to environmental stresses).

Led by the TAAT Maize Compact and Dr Isaac Kodzo Amegbor, of the CSIR–SARI, the field day brought together farmers from Tolon and neighbouring communities, as well as input dealers, seed producers and key stakeholders from the Northern Region.

Dr Amegbor explained that the varieties showcased were developed after several years of rigorous breeding and evaluation under the TAAT Maize Compact, led by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

He emphasised that the initiative aims to address persistent challenges in maize production, including low yields, drought stress, poor soil fertility, and malnutrition.

“Our mission as researchers is to ensure that farmers have access to improved, productive and nutritious maize varieties that perform well under local conditions,” he stated.

“When farmers are satisfied with our technologies, it motivates us to continue developing solutions that truly meet their needs,” he added.

As part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s seed system, Dr Amegbor also announced that CSIR–SARI and AATF, under the auspices of TAAT, will soon organise free training sessions for farmers and seed producers interested in quality seed production and management.

Agricultural Extension Agent Madam Victoria Basim commended the collaboration between CSIR–SARI, MoFA, and TAAT, noting that promoting nutrient-enriched and climate-smart maize varieties is essential for improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers.

Mr Iddrisu Muniru Mustapha, Crops Officer at the Tolon District Department of Agriculture, similarly praised the partners for their role in advancing sustainable agricultural transformation in the region.

The demonstration plot hosted by Mr Ziblim Adam, a lead farmer from Tolon, served as a practical learning platform where participants observed the real performance of the hybrids.
Mr Adam expressed his satisfaction, saying, “The plants are more vigorous, the cobs are larger, and the yield potential is very encouraging. I look forward to hosting the demonstration again next season.”

Women farmers also appreciated the nutritional benefits of the new varieties. Madam Zelia Mohammed highlighted the value of Provitamin A maize for children’s health and expressed her intention to adopt the Dimaali-Engee variety in the next farming season.

Participants also received hands-on training in best agronomic practices, including plant spacing, population density, effective crop management, and post-harvest handling techniques.

This field day is part of TAAT’s broader mission to scale up proven, climate-smart, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural technologies tailored to the realities of African smallholder farmers, in general, and those in Ghana in particular.

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