A comprehensive two-day training workshop aimed at bolstering the capacity and skills of smallholder farmers in climate-smart agriculture was recently conducted in Tamale. The initiative, spearheaded by Ghana Youth Guide, a non-governmental organization, under its “Strengthening Ghanaian Youth Through Climate Smart Agriculture and Civic Organizing (SGY – CSACO)” project, received funding support from DIB Denmark and Civil Society in Development, Denmark.
The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance farmers' knowledge and resilience in climate change adaptation to improve food production. Participants, including smallholder farmers from Savelugu and Tolon Districts in the Northern Region, as well as persons with disabilities, gathered to gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices amidst climate variability.
Mr. Chentiwuni Salifu Abdul-Fataw, Executive Director of Ghana Youth Guide and Project Coordinator for SGY – CSACO, emphasized the pressing need for improved agricultural practices in the face of climate change challenges. He highlighted the significance of proper land preparation and the adoption of certified seeds to optimize production while expressing optimism that the training would positively influence farmers' attitudes toward climate change adaptation.
Facilitators, led by Mr. Basit Zakari, Tolon Director of the Department of Agriculture, guided participants through essential topics such as land preparation techniques, scientifically approved seed selection, and crop care strategies for maximizing yields. Mr. Zakari underscored the importance of selecting quality seeds, particularly those resistant to drought, and urged farmers to refrain from harmful practices such as indiscriminate agrochemical use, bush burning, deforestation, and water pollution.
Mr. Shani Mahama, Industrial Liaison Director for Tamale Technical University, emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in addressing climate change as a development challenge. He stressed the need for concerted efforts in sensitizing smallholder farmers on best agricultural practices to ensure food security and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by 2030.
Participants, such as Madam Abibata Alhassan, expressed appreciation to Ghana Youth Guide and its partners for providing them with valuable insights on environmental stewardship and techniques for achieving high crop yields. The training workshop signifies a crucial step towards empowering smallholder farmers to navigate climate-related challenges and secure sustainable livelihoods in the agricultural sector.
