The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has launched the second phase of its flagship land restoration initiative in Ghana, aiming to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable livelihoods in the Sahel region.
Dubbed “Sahelian Landscapes, a Land of Opportunities – Widen Proven Furrows (LOGMe II)”, the three-year project builds on the successes of LOGMe I (2020–2024), which was implemented in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Niger. LOGMe II expands to include Benin and Senegal, targeting communities most affected by climate change and land degradation.
A Regional Vision for Resilience
LOGMe II is part of a broader regional strategy to position land as a driver of climate resilience, economic opportunity, and social empowerment. It is funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security through the UNCCD Global Mechanism.
In Ghana, the project will benefit 16 communities across four districts: Talensi, Bawku West, Builsa South (Upper East Region), and Sissala East (Upper West Region). The project is being implemented by IUCN in partnership with A Rocha Ghana, CSIR-SARI, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Building on Success: From Hectares to Livelihoods
LOGMe successfully restored over 3,700 hectares of degraded land and strengthened green value chains, including those for honey, shea, and soy-based products, thereby enhancing food security and access to renewable energy for local communities.
“Degraded lands are not just environmental crises—they are development, livelihood, and security issues,” said Ms Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei, National Coordinator of the IUCN Ghana Project Office. “LOGMe II marks a renewed commitment to turn landscapes into engines of resilience and prosperity.”
Community-Driven Restoration and Empowerment
LOGMe II will focus on:
- Inclusive, community-led land restoration
- Scaling up climate-smart green value chains, especially for women and youth
- Strengthening local governance systems to align with national and global restoration targets
It supports Ghana’s Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) commitments. It aligns with UNCCD’s Strategic Framework and SDG 15.3, which calls for a land-degradation-neutral world by 2030.
“Land restoration is more than planting trees. It’s about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and building resilience,” Ms Agyei added.
Partnership and Commitment for Greater Impact
Ms Felicite Chabigonni, Regional Coordinator for LOGMe II, commended donors and emphasised the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable outcomes.
Mr Isaac Kofi Notri of A Rocha Ghana said the project would work closely with local communities to ensure that land-use practices generate sustainable and equitable benefits.
Dr Iddrisu Yahaya, Principal Investigator at CSIR-SARI, urged beneficiary communities to remain committed and cooperative, noting that success depends on building on gains from Phase I.
Talensi District Chief Executive, Mr John Millim Nabwomya, noted that the Assembly will integrate aspects of the project into its Medium-Term Development Plans to sustain its impact.
LOGMe II represents a strategic shift toward restoring not just land but livelihoods, helping communities across Northern Ghana thrive in the face of climate and economic challenges.
