A day-long stakeholder engagement aimed at enhancing the knowledge and resilience of smallholder farmers concerning climate change adaptation was convened in Tolon, located in the Northern Region of Ghana.
The gathering brought together young small-scale farmers from the Tolon District, including persons with disabilities (PwDs), with the objective of equipping participants with the necessary skills to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. These practices are crucial not only for ensuring high crop yields but also for safeguarding the environment.
This event was part of the initial phase of a nine-month project spearheaded by Ghana Youth Guide, a non-governmental organization (NGO), with financial backing from DIB Denmark and Civil Society in Development, also based in Denmark. Entitled “Strengthening Ghanaian Youth through Climate Smart Agriculture and Civic Organizing (SGY – CSACO),” the project is being rolled out in the Savelugu and Tolon Districts, aiming to benefit approximately 50 young small-scale farmers, including those with disabilities.
Under the theme “The Role of Women in Agricultural Development in Ghana,” the engagement meeting served as a platform for dialogue among various stakeholders in the district, including religious and traditional authorities. Mr. Chentiwuni Salifu Abdul-Fataw, Executive Director of Ghana Youth Guide and Project Coordinator of SGY – CSACO, highlighted the importance of adopting improved agricultural practices to maximize food production and minimize post-harvest losses. He emphasized the significance of utilizing approved seeds, appropriate land preparation, and planting methods.
Moreover, Mr. Basit Zakari, the Director of the Department of Agriculture in the Tolon District, underscored the adverse impact of climate change on rainfall patterns, stressing the urgency of adopting smart agricultural approaches to sustain food production. He cautioned against excessive use of tractors for land ploughing, which can lead to soil fertility depletion, and advocated for responsible use of agrochemicals to preserve the environment.
Tolon-Naa Sulemana Abubakari, the Paramount Chief of Tolon Traditional Area, reiterated the importance of the established land tenure system in facilitating agricultural activities without disputes. Additionally, Mr. Alhassan Emmanuel Bawa, Acting Tolon District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on the rights of women and other vulnerable groups.
The engagement concluded with a collective commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring the inclusion of women and vulnerable groups in agricultural development efforts.
