The Women Poultry and Livestock Association (WOPOLA) has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing food security and combating climate change in the Nyariga community, located within the Bolgatanga Municipality. The initiative focuses on tree planting and soya bean farming, designed to benefit the local community while improving environmental sustainability.
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Empowering Women and Protecting the Environment – WOPOLA
Led by the association’s executives, WOPOLA has distributed improved soya bean seeds to women farmers in the region, assisting them with sowing activities. Additionally, they planted 400 economic and medicinal trees in key public institutions, including Nyariga Primary School, Nyariga Junior High School, Nyariga Girls’ Model School, and the Nyariga Health Facility.
The trees planted include neem, gmelina, mango, cashew, guava, and teak, which serve various purposes—offering shade, medicinal properties, and even income-generating opportunities for the community.
Promoting Household Nutrition and Income
Mrs. Theresa Alegmiah, President of WOPOLA, explained that the initiative is part of a larger vision to empower women and promote environmental protection. “Beyond tree planting, the women are also sowing soya beans as a way to promote household nutrition and generate income through agriculture,” she shared. This project, she added, aims to build community resilience against climate change while improving food security.
The Importance of Trees in the Community
Emphasising the crucial role trees play in sustaining life, Mrs. Alegmiah stressed that trees are vital as they provide food, medicine, and protection from storms. With this understanding, WOPOLA is committed to promoting afforestation at the community level, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the environment.
Supporting National Afforestation Goals
Ms. Diana Asamane, the Project Coordinator for WOPOLA, mentioned that their tree-planting efforts align with the government’s Tree for Life (Green Ghana) Initiative. “This is our way of supporting the government’s vision. But more importantly, we are redefining the role of women in development,” she said. The association empowers women not only to step beyond traditional roles but also fosters self-reliance. “The days of limiting women to the kitchen are over. Today, we are tree planters, farmers, livestock farmers, and honey producers,” she proudly stated.
Self-Funded and Expanding the Initiative
The entire initiative is self-funded, and WOPOLA is seeking support from government agencies, corporate institutions, individuals, and donor organisations to expand its activities. Ms. Asamane revealed that their goal is to extend their operations to all 15 districts in the Upper East Region and eventually to the Upper West, North East, Northern, and Savannah Regions.
Community Ownership and Sustainability
Mr. Fredrick Appiah, speaking on behalf of the headteacher of Nyariga Primary School, commended the women for their dedication and hard work. He emphasised that community ownership plays a significant role in ensuring the success of such initiatives. “This tree planting is different because the women are determined to nurture the trees,” he said. “Involving women and the community creates ownership, and that makes all the difference.”
WOPOLA’s Vision for the Future
WOPOLA, a community-based women’s empowerment organisation, brings together women engaged in poultry farming, livestock rearing, honey production, tree planting, and crop cultivation. Their overarching aim is to improve household incomes, enhance food security, and contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting collective action and elevating the role of women in national development.
