On July 15, 2025, World Vision Ghana unveiled the second phase of the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration for Sustainable Economic Empowerment and Development (FMNR4SEED) project in the Kassena Nankana West District. This new phase builds on the success of the first phase. It is designed to empower more communities, restore degraded lands, and improve livelihoods.
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Expanding the Reach of the FMNR4SEED Project in Kassena Nankana West
World Vision Germany funds the FMNR4SEED II project and will run from July 2025 to June 2027. It aims to benefit 20 new communities in the Paga and Chiana Area Councils. These communities will be trained to restore degraded lands through sustainable, low-cost approaches while also enhancing their livelihoods.
The project is expected to reach 4,000 direct beneficiaries and 2,000 indirect beneficiaries. The goal is to improve food security and build resilience by the end of 2027.
Successes of FMNR4SEED Phase I
Mr. Joshua Baidoo, Strategy and Integrated Programmes Director at World Vision Ghana, reflected on the success of the first phase. The FMNR4SEED Phase I had already reached 41 communities in the Mirigu, Kandiga, and Sirigu Area Councils, restoring 1,750 hectares of degraded land. Mr. Baidoo highlighted that the phase had trained 660 lead farmers and 660 fire volunteers in FMNR approaches, which focused on nurturing tree stumps and native vegetation. These practices made a significant contribution to land restoration efforts.
Moreover, 900 farmers were trained in climate-smart agricultural practices, resulting in improved yields and enhanced food security. Additionally, 2,000 farmers received training and inputs to grow bio-fortified crops, including maise, cowpeas, and beans, which improved nutrition in the communities.
Empowering Women and Promoting Financial Inclusion
The FMNR4SEED project has also made strides in empowering women. It introduced beekeeping as an alternative livelihood for farmers, particularly benefiting 1,320 females. Moreover, the project trained women in constructing and using energy-efficient cookstoves, which over 2,000 households have adopted.
A key focus of the project has been financial inclusion. Mr. Baidoo revealed that the initiative introduced the Savings for Transformation (S4T) model, which encouraged rural communities to save and invest. This effort resulted in the establishment of 350 savings groups, comprising over 8,000 members, primarily women. These groups mobilised more than GH₡3 million in savings, which helped members invest in small businesses, education, and health.
Building a Strong Foundation for the Future
In partnership with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the project also supported 41 communities in developing disaster risk reduction plans. These plans have helped communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of disasters, such as droughts and bushfires.
Mr. Stephen Aeke Akurugu, the District Chief Executive for Kassena-Nankana West, praised World Vision Ghana’s investment in the region. He emphasised the importance of sustaining the gains made during the first phase of FMNR4SEED. He encouraged all stakeholders to support the rollout of the second phase to achieve even greater impact.
World Vision Ghana’s efforts in economic empowerment, environmental restoration, and financial inclusion have had a profound impact on these communities. The continuation of the FMNR4SEED project promises even greater positive changes in the years to come.
