Libga, (NR) Nov. 3, GNA – Farmers in Libga, a farming community in the Savelugu Municipality have joined researchers from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)–Crops Research Institute in a varietal selection (PVS) exercise to identify high-performing, farmer-preferred okra varieties suitable for local growing conditions.
The exercise forms part of the VACS Okra Breeding Project, which is under the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative, a programme working to strengthen Africa’s agrifood systems by promoting resilient and nutritious crops such as okra.
The project is being sponsored by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y TrigoCIMMYT) through the World Vegetable Centre.
Speaking at the event, Dr Jacinta Adoma Opoku, Principal Investigator in charge of the VACS Okra Breeding Project in Ghana, explained that, the activity allowed farmers and other stakeholders such as seed input dealers, seed companies and processes to directly evaluate and rank different okra varieties based on traits that matter most to them, including yield, fruit quality, tolerance to some abiotic and biotic stresses and market potential.
“Our goal is to ensure that the varieties we develop are not only high yielding in research stations but also meet farmers’ real needs in their own fields. By involving farmers and other stakeholders in the selection process, we make science more practical, inclusive, and impactful,” Dr Opoku stated.
Dr Opoku emphasised that the feedback gathered during the exercise would guide the selection of promising okra varieties for wider testing and eventual release to farmers across Ghana and other African countries.
The VACS initiative brings together African and international partners to develop climate-resilient crops, improve nutrition, and build the capacity of African researchers.
Through such participatory approaches, the programme aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and farmers’ realities on the ground. Dr Opoku said “Okra is a key crop for nutrition, income, and resilience. With the support of our partners (ie WorldVeg and NIHORT) and farmers, we are shaping the future of okra cultivation in Africa.”
Dr Opoku indicated that farmers participating in the exercise expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the research process and said their involvement would help to ensure that the released varieties were suitable for their local environment and market preferences.
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