World Vision Ghana has urged communities that benefited from the European Union-funded Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (EU-LEAN) project to take full ownership of the interventions and work towards sustaining the gains made. The project, which concluded in April 2025, was implemented by a consortium of organisations, including the Rainforest Alliance, Tropenbos Ghana, EcoCare Ghana, and World Vision Ghana, and focused on enhancing environmental sustainability and improving livelihoods across Ghana’s savannah, high forest, and transition zones.
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Empowering Communities for Long-Term Sustainability
Speaking at the project’s close-out ceremony in Paga, Kassena-Nankana West District, Mr. Rexford Yamdorg Bugre, Regional Operations Manager for the Northern sector of World Vision Ghana, emphasised the importance of community ownership. “These areas of protection or conservation do not belong to World Vision; they are owned by the community, so sustain the gains made so that in years to come, you will benefit from these interventions,” he stated. He urged the communities to carry forward the lessons learned and maintain the environmental and economic improvements initiated by the project.
Restoring Degraded Land Through FMNR
One of the key approaches employed in the project was Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), an effective and low-cost technique for land and forest restoration. This method enables communities to restore degraded landscapes by managing and protecting existing trees and shrubs, which naturally regenerate. The technique has been instrumental in restoring 411 hectares of land in the Kassena-Nankana West and West Gonja Districts, improving soil fertility and increasing climate change resilience.
Through this process, smallholder farmers have gained the tools and knowledge to manage their natural resources sustainably, reduce bushfires, and improve their farming practices. This has not only helped in land restoration but also in enhancing the community’s resilience to climate change.
Alternative Livelihoods for Reduced Environmental Dependence
In addition to the environmental interventions, the EU-LEAN project introduced alternative livelihood options to reduce communities’ dependence on the environment for survival. One notable initiative was the distribution of 200 beehives and accessories to 171 smallholder farmers. This initiative, alongside the harvest of 51 gallons of honey, has generated income, with the honey valued at GH₡20,400.00. These initiatives have diversified the sources of income for families, contributing to their long-term economic stability.
Capacity Building for Smallholder Farmers
The project also focused on building the capacity of smallholder farmers. Approximately 500 farmers were trained in FMNR techniques, enabling them to enhance their agricultural productivity and adopt climate-resilient farming methods. The project’s efforts also included producing and planting 134,061 tree seedlings across the 50 participating communities. These efforts have made a significant contribution to the region’s environmental regeneration.
Financial Inclusion and Local Empowerment
An essential component of the EU-LEAN project was the establishment of 115 Saving for Transformation (S4T) groups. This local banking system allowed members to save and access small loans. More than GH₡1 million was saved, and over 2,800 people were able to access small loans, enabling them to address emergencies and expand their small businesses. This has promoted financial inclusion and empowered community members to improve their livelihoods.
Celebrating Success and Commitment to the Future
Mr. Robert Dampare, Chair of the LEAN Landscape Management Board in Kassena-Nankana West District, commended World Vision Ghana and its partners for their successful implementation of the project. He highlighted its positive impact on restoring degraded lands, improving food security, and boosting incomes in many communities. As the project concludes, stakeholders are hopeful that the community-driven interventions will continue to thrive, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the regions involved.
World Vision Ghana’s focus on empowering communities and building long-term resilience through the EU-LEAN project is a model for sustainable development and environmental stewardship that can be replicated across other regions.
