Grapevine

Hopes fade as dry spell withers away crops in Ghana

In Tumu, Upper West Region of Ghana, where mornings typically find farmers tending to their fields, Khadijah Salifu (not her real name), a Level 300 Nutritional Science student at the University for Development Studies, is unexpectedly at home, taking a break from her farming activities.

Khadijah feels hopeless and unmotivated to visit her 3-acre maize farm, which has been ravaged by the recent dry spell, and wonders what the point would be, saying "What's the use of going there? The farm is already ruined.”

Khadijah was born into a family of farmers and naturally followed in her parents' footsteps, embracing agriculture as a way to support and build upon their legacy, while also contributing to the well-being and values of her family.

Khadijah began farming in 2021 to financially support her education, and her initial successes - harvesting 45 bags from her 3-acre farm - motivated her to continue. However, due to the current dry spell, she faces the disappointing prospect of a barren harvest, dashing her hopes for financial gains from this season's efforts.

Her hopes have been dashed as the dry spell threatens to wipe out her 10,250 cedis investment in the farm, leaving her worried about how she will pay her university fees and support her three younger siblings, who rely on her for their needs, a weighty burden that now weighs heavily on her mind.