The Potential for an Environmentally Sustainable Green Revolution : The Case of Ghana

Abstract: This thesis aims to understand the state of the Green Revolution movement in Ghana, with a focus on environmental policy and its potential for future development. The main research question applied is “What is the potential for an environmentally sustainable Green Revolution-type advancement in agriculture in Ghana?”. A quantitative, comparative case study methodology is applied, in which three factors are examined for each case. These factors are cereal yields, nitrogen fertilizer applications, and pesticide use, chosen due to their established linkages to environmental impacts in Asia. It was found that during the Green Revolution Southeast Asia an increase in cereal yields occurred, paired with a 45% increase in nitrogen fertilizer use since 2002. Pesticide use varied between countries. Ghana displayed similar patterns. Cereal crop yields show a growth of 38% after the implementation of the first Green Revolution project, with nitrogen fertilizer and pesticide usage following said increase. In examining the environmental policy of Ghana; it was found that the country has a extensive roster of environmental organizations. Notable policies were the NCCAS, and the NCP. Further documents showed goals of awareness, land management, and preserving indigenous knowledge, suggesting that Ghana is in a position where there is potential for a sustainable agricultural development to be accomplished.