Ghana Youth Guide, a youth-led advocacy organisation, recently hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at equipping smallholder farmers in the Tolon District of the Northern Region with vital knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices. The training, which benefitted 290 farmers, is part of their flagship initiative, the “Empowering Ghanaian Youth for Sustainable Agriculture (R2C) Project,” supported by DIB and CISU, Denmark-based organisations.
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A Strong Focus on Resilience and Sustainability
The workshop brought together participants from five communities in the district, including Waribogu Kamonaayili, Tolon Galinkpegu, Gbanjong, and Gbulahgu. The initiative’s core focus was to help farmers enhance their understanding of climate-resilient agriculture and strategies for food security. Mr. Prince Chentiwuni Abdul-Fatawu, the Executive Director of Ghana Youth Guide, emphasised the importance of adapting to climate challenges for increased agricultural productivity.
“This training is part of a broader strategy to empower young farmers, ensuring they can navigate climate challenges and maintain productivity,” he said during the workshop.
Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change
As global climate patterns continue to change, Mr. Abdul-Fatawu emphasised the importance of farmers being well-informed about weather patterns and adopting techniques that enhance soil fertility. The participants were educated on effective planting and harvesting techniques, as well as how to reduce post-harvest losses. These insights are crucial for improving crop yields and minimising waste in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.
Women Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture
Mr. Abdul-Fatawu also highlighted the importance of involving women farmers in the government’s Feed Ghana Project. He urged that women farmers in deprived communities should be prioritised to address hunger, deprivation, and malnutrition in the region. The empowerment of women is key to sustainable agricultural growth in the district, and this workshop is a step toward achieving that goal.
Strengthening Agricultural Practices Through Collaboration
Mr. Abdul-Fatawu Seidu, a representative from the Tolon District Department of Agriculture, also addressed the farmers, urging them to use high-quality seeds and adopt modern agricultural practices. His presentation stressed the importance of these techniques for improving long-term farm sustainability and increasing yields. He also recommended that farmers form groups to access government interventions promoting sustainable farming practices.
Practical Tools for Success
As part of the initiative, participants were provided with essential agricultural and sanitation materials, including hand-washing kits, detergents, and farming tools such as wheelbarrows and rakes. These tools, combined with the new skills acquired during the workshop, are expected to help farmers increase their agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.
The farmers, many of whom belonged to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, expressed their appreciation for the training. They pledged to apply the knowledge and skills they gained to enhance their farming practices and contribute to the region’s agricultural development.
By empowering smallholder farmers with the knowledge of sustainable practices, Ghana Youth Guide is playing a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity in the region, ensuring that farmers are better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change.
