The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture to train Ghana’s agricultural extension officers to boost food security and promote sustainable farming practices.

The pact, signed last Thursday, will run until September 2025, beginning with a five-week pilot phase as a precursor to broader implementation.

The training programme aims to equip agricultural extension officers (AEOs) with the knowledge, practical skills, and essential resources necessary to support farmers, improve agricultural practices and productivity, and ensure sustainable farming in Ghana.

The Director of BNARI, Prof. Michael Osae, and the FAO Project Coordinator at Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ms Gabriella Grüner, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Prof. Osae described the collaboration as a critical milestone in the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural extension services. “This partnership marks the beginning of a vital learning journey aimed at strengthening the capacities of our agric extension officers who are key to the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector,” he said.

He emphasised that extension officers play a pivotal role in linking research institutions, policymakers, and farmers, ensuring that innovations and best practices are effectively communicated and adopted at the grassroots level.

“Their responsibilities go beyond providing advice. They empower farmers with the skills and knowledge to increase productivity, enhance food safety, adapt to climate change, and improve livelihoods. That is why this training is so important for Ghana’s agricultural development agenda,” Prof. Osae added.

He indicated that participants would be trained in several key areas, including extension methodology, agricultural knowledge and information systems, business planning, cooperative models for small-scale farmers, and post-harvest management techniques.

For her part, Ms Grüner expressed optimism about the partnership and its potential long-term benefits.

“We are proud to collaborate with Ghana through BNARI to share Hungary’s expertise in agricultural innovation. Strengthening extension services is crucial to building resilient food systems, and we are confident that this programme will have a lasting impact,” she stated.

Ms Grüner also cited Hungary’s experience in Uganda, where a similar training model led to significant improvements in the country’s agricultural landscape.

She emphasised that Hungary remains committed to knowledge-sharing and collaborative development initiatives that drive economic growth.

Ghana is among 48 countries currently benefiting from Hungary’s scholarship programme, with over 400 Ghanaian citizens already participating.