Akohia, Eastern Region – 4-H Ghana, a non-governmental organization, in partnership with Farmers Abroad Canada, has inaugurated a three-year pilot initiative called the Sustainable School Feeding Model under the theme “Feeding the Children: My Concern.”
The program aims to enhance food security in rural Ghanaian communities by providing sustainable meals to school children and promoting school enrollment.
The Executive Director of 4-H Ghana, Mr. Appiah Kwaku Boateng, outlined the project's objectives during the launch ceremony at Akohia Presbyterian Primary School in the Upper Manya Krobo district.
He stated, “Providing meals to these children will not only motivate them to be in school but also improve their nutritional deficiencies and the acquisition of basic knowledge that will shape their lives so they can contribute their quota to the development of their community, country, and the world at large.”
The Sustainable School Feeding Model focuses on schools in the Upper Manya Krobo and Yilo Krobo Districts, specifically in rural communities where community members establish school gardens with support from 4-H Ghana.
The organization supplies agriculture inputs and technical guidance through Agriculture Extension Agents to boost food production for schoolchildren.
Mr. Boateng emphasized the importance of the school gardens, stating, “The use of the school garden serves as a demonstration farm where agricultural knowledge is transferred to the smallholder farmers in the communities.”
In Akohia, community members have dedicated four acres of land for cultivation, and received improved maize and bean seeds, NPK fertilizer, a Knapsack spraying machine, and agrochemicals from 4-H Ghana to enhance yields.
Furthermore, select schools in the two districts receive support in the form of improved seeds, fertilizers, and tools to bolster School-Based Agriculture Education (SBAE) efforts already undertaken by 4-H Ghana.
As part of the launch event, an 11-member committee was established to oversee the 4-H Ghana Sustainable School Feeding Model project. The committee members received training in best agricultural practices and food preparation to ensure nutrient preservation.
Mr. Eric Tetteh Larweh, the District Sports Coordinator, representing the District Director of Education, praised the Akohia community's commitment to the project and encouraged their continued hard work and collaboration to improve the health and growth of schoolchildren.
4-H Ghana, an NGO that empowers youth and uplifts communities through agriculture, leadership, and life skills, operates in six regions.
The organization is dedicated to contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG One (no poverty), SDG Two (zero hunger), SDG Three (good health and well-being), and SDG Four (quality education).
Farmers Abroad Canada, the sponsor of the Sustainable School Feeding Model project, is a registered charitable organization that aims to amplify existing community-based agricultural programs in developing countries.
Reporting by Emelia B. Addae. Editing by Mariam Aminu.
