The University of Ghana, through the School of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), celebrated World Food Day 2023 under the theme 'Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind.”
This event provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas while showcasing the University's commitment to addressing global challenges related to water, agriculture, and food security.
Welcoming attendees on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Irene Egyir, Dean of the School of Agriculture, noted the strong interest in food-related fields within various schools at the University, including the School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Engineering Sciences and School of Public Health.
She deemed the theme of World Food Day 2023, “Water is Life, Water is Food, …” as highly relevant to the University's vision and called for further discussions and actions towards addressing water challenges and food security in Africa.
Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Representative in Ghana, Mr. Yurdi Yasmi, emphasised the importance of this year's focus on water, stating, “Today, World Food Day has become a global celebration of food, as well as a yearly opportunity to look at the challenges the world faces in relation to food production. This year, water is our focus. Hence, our theme: Water is Life. Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.”
He further expressed the commitment of the FAO to collaborating with the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support Ghana's plan for a food-secure and water-secure future.
In a speech read on his behalf, Dr. QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General, highlighted the significance of water in this year's World Food Day celebration. He stressed that “water is essential for life, livelihoods and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.” The Director-General acknowledged the increasing pressure on water resources due to factors such as the climate crisis, population growth, and industrialisation.
He urged collective efforts to use water more efficiently and to transform agri-food systems to address water scarcity challenges. “The Four Betters approach—better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—was presented as a means to drive water action.” Dr. Dongyu said.
Prof. Elvis K. Tiburu, Coordinator of International Programmes at the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), representing the Provost of CBAS, highlighted the importance of water for life and its vital role in food production. He acknowledged the need for water protection and addressed the impact of human behavior, such as plastic pollution and construction near water bodies, on water resources.
He underscored the challenges posed by climate change and called for partnerships and research efforts to address water-related issues.
A presentation on water by Mr. Valere Nzeyimana, Senior Water Development and Management Officer at the FAO Regional Office for Africa, spotlighted the FAO’s efforts to ensure clean, safe, and potable water across the world.
Mr. Nzeyimana called on African governments to develop policies to protect water bodies and ensure safe and potable water for food security.
A panel discussion on the day's theme featured various experts, including Prof. Macarius Yangyuoru, Head, Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC); Dr. Jacob Agyekum, CSIR Water Research Institute; Mr. Emmanuel Boabeng, National Service Person, School of Agriculture; Ms. Esther Kabossa, President, Family and Consumer Sciences Students Association and Mr. Samuel Addo, President, International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences who shared insights on water and its crucial role in food security.
The University of Ghana continues to play a significant role in addressing global challenges, with a specific focus on water, agriculture, and food security, in line with the theme of World Food Day 2023.
