GRASAG president calls for sustainable funding for agricultural research in Africa

The President of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Richard Class-Peters, has called for sustainable financing for agricultural research to improve food security, boost local production and support economic growth across Africa.

He made the call at the recently concluded World Bank’s Africa Growth and Opportunity – Research in Action (AGORA) 2026 conference in Palermo, Italy.

Mr Class-Peters said African countries must increase investment in research and innovation while strengthening farmer cooperatives to improve agricultural productivity and build more resilient food systems.

“Sustainable financing for agricultural research is critical to empowering innovation, strengthening farmer cooperatives and transforming local agriculture for food security and economic prosperity in Africa,” he said.

He noted that increased funding for agricultural research could help farmers access improved technologies, raise production levels and develop practical solutions to challenges affecting the sector.

Mr Class-Peters also stressed the importance of supporting farmer cooperatives, saying they enable farmers to share knowledge, access resources and improve their productivity.

“We must empower our local farmers and cooperatives with the knowledge, technology and support they need to produce more and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic development,” he said.

He added that stronger domestic agricultural production could reduce African countries’ reliance on imported food, create jobs and improve livelihoods, particularly in farming communities.

The AGORA 2026 conference focused on how African countries can develop the skills, businesses and systems needed to translate investment into employment and economic growth.