Approximately 30 farmers from communities surrounding the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS) have received intensive agroecology training to equip them with climate-resilient farming skills that enhance their livelihoods, protect biodiversity, and strengthen their resilience to climate change.The two-day training was part of the Support Programme for Biodiversity Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) active in developing countries (ProBioDev), funded by the Comité français de l’UICN and implemented by A Rocha Ghana and A Rocha France, with support from the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.
Climate-Smart Land Preparation
The programme kicked off with lessons on climate-smart land preparation, where farmers were guided on selecting fertile sites, preparing nurseries, and transplanting seedlings at the right time to boost crop survival and yields.The session, facilitated by Dr. Mary Otiwaa Osei Asante, an Agronomist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), also explored natural methods for controlling pests and diseases, such as caterpillars, aphids, and fruit flies, without relying on harmful chemicals. Farmers were introduced to crop rotation and other integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to sustain healthy production.
Turning Waste into Soil Wealth
Another highlight was the session on producing biochar from organic waste such as maize cobs, coconut husks, maize husks, and twigs.Benjamin Afful, Agroecology Project Officer at A Rocha Ghana, took participants through the practical steps in producing and applying biochar, showing how this sustainable practice improves soil fertility, enhances water retention, and ultimately promises healthier crops.Participants also learned to make bio-pesticides from neem tree seeds and leaves, which offer strong natural insecticidal properties.The process involved extracting neem oil and preparing it for use as an eco-friendly, safe alternative to chemical pesticides. Training methods included video screenings to increase participation and deepen understanding of the various practicum steps for preparing and applying bio-pesticides and fertilizers. See how to make organic biochar here
Empowering Farmers with Market Skills
Beyond technical farming practices, the training also focused on improving farmer incomes through livelihood strategies for marketing and market assessment.Mr. Prosper Kwame Antwi, Programs Manager at A Rocha Ghana, led discussions on seasonal trends and market demands, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about the best times to plant, harvest, and sell crops. Farmers were also encouraged to work together, pooling resources to negotiate better prices for inputs and to collectively market produce. This collaboration, they learned, can significantly increase bargaining power and profitability.
Farming Support Equipment
To ensure that farmers could immediately put their new knowledge into practice, participants received farming support equipment, including safety boots, cutlasses, and a variety of vegetable seeds. These tools are essential for their fieldwork, ensuring safety while enabling them to implement the techniques they learned in vegetable crop production, biochar use, and bio-pesticide and bio-fertilizer application.
A Broader Impact
These activities are not just aimed at protecting the critical Keta Lagoon wetland, which is home to important biodiversity, but also at supporting local communities to improve their livelihoods so that they are not overly dependent on the lagoon and the mangrove resources. By promoting organic and climate-smart agricultural practices, the project is helping to build a future where both people and nature can thrive.The training directly contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
