UNDP World Environment Day Webinar Highlights Need to Strengthen Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Ghana

June 10, 2026

UNDP Ghana_WED_2026.jpeg — Group photos of participants at the webinar

Photos @Vanessa Fosu/UNDP Ghana

Sustainable food systems are central to addressing climate change, strengthening livelihoods, and ensuring long-term food security. From production to consumption, the way food is grown, processed, and managed has direct implications for ecosystems, economies, and communities.

This imperative framed the World Environment Day Sustainability Webinar, which brought together stakeholders across Ghana’s food value chain to explore practical solutions for climate action.

The hour-and-a-half discussion featured a three-person panel comprising representatives from the Jospong Group of Companies, AkoFresh and The Food Discourse. It was moderated by Akosua Aninakwa, National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme. The panelists emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated action to build more sustainable and climate-resilient food systems, as climate change continues to place increasing pressure on Ghana’s agriculture sector and natural ecosystems.

Speakers noted that though agriculture remains a critical driver for economic growth, and source of livelihoods, it also places increasing pressure on natural ecosystems, making it necessary to balance development with environmental protection.

In welcoming attendees to the webinar, UNDP Ghana’s Forest Specialist, Ayirebi Frimpong, speaking on behalf of the Resident Representative, highlighted that “Agriculture supports livelihoods and economic growth, but it also places pressure on our natural ecosystems. On this World Environment Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to embrace sustainable, climate-smart practices that balance development with environmental protection.”

Mr. Mohammed Gyimah, Deputy Director-Environment at the Ministry for Environment, Science and Technology, in his opening remarks, called for practical action at the household and community level to strengthen environmental resilience. He added that,

“The solutions to many of our environmental challenges already exist. The task before us is to scale them through innovation, collaboration, and everyday actions that protect our natural resources while strengthening livelihoods.”

A key theme of the discussion was the importance of innovation and bridging gaps between farmers and the systems designed to support them. Panelists noted that innovation already exists at the farmer level, with further efforts required to better connect to policy, research, and technology in order to scale impact and translate ideas into practical solutions that would improve livelihoods and sustainability.

Real innovation already exists with farmers. We must bridge the gap between farmers and the policy, research and knowledge systems meant to support them to turn ideas into practical solutions that improve livelihoods and sustainability”. added, Gloria Agyare, Food Discourse, Environmentalist and Advocate.

The webinar further underscored the growing role of youth in transforming agriculture into a more dynamic and opportunity-driven sector. Participants encouraged young people to tap into opportunities across the value chain, including developing digital tools that support farmers with weather and climate information, and expanding into areas such as environmental monitoring and auditing.

At the household and community level, speakers emphasized that sustainability also depends on everyday actions. They noted the importance of encouraging households to grow some of their own food as a way of building resilience, while strengthening communication and awareness around proper waste segregation and responsible consumption.

Highlighting the importance of practical environmental action, Ing. Seidu Mohammed, Project Manager at the Jospong Green Transition Office, noted that reducing waste remains a key contribution to addressing climate change. He further emphasized that nature already provides what is needed for human survival and therefore must be used responsibly to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

In the same vein, they emphasized that nature must remain at the center of development decisions if environmental and socio-economic challenges are to be effectively addressed.

“We should also learn how to grow our own food at home as part of building more sustainable and resilient food systems.” noted Prince Kweku Asante - Head of Business Development Office, AkoFresh

The webinar highlighted practical environmental actions such as rainwater harvesting and tree planting as simple but effective steps to reduce flooding and strengthen environmental resilience at both household and community levels.

The webinar also provided a platform for meaningful exchange, with participants contributing insights and raising questions on sustainable agriculture, responsible consumption, climate resilience, and the role of innovation in transforming food systems. The discussions underscored a collective recognition that achieving sustainable food systems will require action from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals alike.

The discussion ultimately reinforced actions to build sustainable food systems, which requires collective and sustained action from all. From farmers and youth innovators to policymakers and private sector actors, every stakeholder has a role to play in shaping for a more climate-resilient and sustainable future.

The full recorded session is available on UNDP Ghana’s YouTube Channel here.