CSIR–CRI Showcases Innovation and Launches Multicultural Technology Park at Open Day
The CSIR– Crops Research Institute (CSIR–CRI), in collaboration with the Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) Africa Consortium, has held a vibrant Open Day at its Fumesua campus, bringing together hundreds of farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and students. The event served as both a celebration of science and innovation, and the official launch of the ACE4ES Multicultural Technology Park — a pioneering space for testing, demonstrating, and scaling sustainable agricultural solutions.
A Celebration of Science, Innovation, and Partnerships
The 2025 Open Day, themed “Transforming Agriculture to Feed Ghana”, highlighted CSIR–CRI’s role as a leading research institution in driving agricultural transformation and food security in Ghana and across West Africa.
Visitors explored exhibition booths showcasing:
- Improved, high-yielding crop varieties such as drought-tolerant maize and rice.
- Sustainable soil and water management practices.
- Integrated pest and disease management solutions aimed at reducing chemical pesticide dependence.
- Appropriate mechanisation tools for smallholder farmers.
- Post-harvest technologies to reduce food losses.
- Value-added agro-products including fortified cassava flour, vitamin-enriched sweet potatoes, and locally formulated livestock feed.
The exhibitions provided a hands-on experience for farmers and other stakeholders, offering opportunities to discuss practical applications directly with scientists and extension officers.
Leadership Perspectives and Calls to Action
In his opening address, Prof. Paul Pinnock Bosu, the Director-General of CSIR, praised CSIR–CRI’s sustained contributions to agricultural innovation in Ghana, describing agricultural research as “the bedrock of food security” He urged policymakers, private sector players, and donors to invest more in science, technology, and innovation. He also noted that the Multicultural Technology Park and its accompanying policy guide are fully aligned with CSIR’s Strategic Plan.
Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of CSIR–CRI, emphasised that science, innovation, and strong partnerships are essential to achieving a food-secure Ghana. He announced that the Technology Park will remain open to the public until the end of August 2025, giving visitors an extended opportunity to explore its offerings. Prof. Asante also called for the reinstatement of the National Best Agricultural Researcher Award as part of the annual National Farmers’ Day Awards, recognising the vital role of researchers in national development.
The ACE4ES Project: Agriculture and Climate Action
The ACE4ES project’s Ghana lead, Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofuor Asante, outlined the project’s vision and objectives. Funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the multidisciplinary initiative promotes sustainable agricultural practices aimed at reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) — notably methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and black carbon.
Dr. Asante explained that agriculture contributes significantly to these emissions through rice cultivation, livestock rearing, post-harvest residue burning, manure management, and fertiliser application. The project is working to generate Tier 1 emission factors tailored to Ghana’s agricultural subsectors — a step critical for accurate reporting and targeted climate action under the Paris Agreement.
“Without locally generated emission factors, Ghana’s agricultural sector cannot provide accurate data to the national mitigation inventory. The ACE4ES Consortium will extend greenhouse gas monitoring beyond the Multicultural Technology Park to key agroecological zones nationwide,” Dr. Asante stated.
He also called for the establishment of national policies on agroecology and sustainability, noting that the Multicultural Technology Park, alongside its regional policy guide, will drive research and innovation around emission reduction technologies across Africa.
Government Endorsement and Support
Representing the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Kwasi Etu-Bonde, Technical Advisor to the Minister, commended CSIR–CRI and the ACE4ES project for launching the Multicultural Technology Park at a time when climate change is impacting agriculture and food systems globally. He described the Park as a “timely intervention” in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen food security and sustainability, pledging the Ministry’s unwavering support for the project and its future activities.
The Multicultural Technology Park: A Living Laboratory
The newly launched ACE4ES Multicultural Technology Park is designed as a hub for agroecological and circular economy innovations. Its facilities include:
- Demonstration farms for showcasing validated crop and livestock technologies.
- Technology incubation spaces for nurturing innovations from concept to market.
- Training facilities for capacity building among farmers, extension agents, and researchers.
- Interactive exhibits to make scientific knowledge accessible to both local and international audiences.
The Park’s purpose is to bridge the gap between research and practice — enabling stakeholders to move from traditional methods to evidence-based, sustainable agricultural approaches.
Farmer Engagement and Practical Demonstrations
Throughout the day, farmers participated in live demonstrations, including:
- Drought-tolerant maize and rice varieties bred for resilience under climate stress.
- Integrated pest management practices that minimise pesticide use while maintaining crop health.
- Low-cost irrigation technologies suitable for smallholder farms.
- Post-harvest handling innovations that extend shelf life and reduce losses.
Participants also sampled processed products developed from improved crop varieties and purchased items for home and farm use.
Strengthening Partnerships for Scale-Up
Development partners present — including the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), and the Peasant Farmers Association — expressed strong interest in scaling up the technologies demonstrated at the event.
A Vision for the Future
Closing the ceremony, Prof. Bosu described the Multicultural Technology Park as “a place where knowledge meets practice, tradition meets innovation, and science meets the needs of communities.” He called on policymakers, private sector leaders, donors, and international partners to work with CSIR–CRI and ACE4ES in making the Park a centre of agricultural excellence in West Africa.
Authors: Bernard Sakyiamah, Enoch Bobie Agyemang, Dennis Gyasi Boakye
