Building resilient livelihoods through reforestation and agroforestry at Atewa Forest
Restoring land, empowering people, protecting biodiversity
The Atewa Forest in Ghana is one of West Africa’s most precious landscapes, home to unique plants, endangered wildlife, and the headwaters of rivers that provide clean water for over 5 million people. Yet this critical forest is under pressure from illegal logging, mining, and unsustainable farming.
A Rocha Ghana is responding with a bold initiative through the TerraFund for AFR100 Project: restoring degraded land while building stronger, greener livelihoods for local communities.
What We’re Doing
Through this project, we are working with 58 communities across the Atewa Forest Landscape to:
Restore 1,566 hectares of land with over 173,000 trees through reforestation, enrichment planting, and agroforestry.
Empower 500 farmers to adopt climate-smart farming, planting shade trees and high-value crops like avocado and Aframomum on their cocoa farms.
Create 330 green jobs in tree nurseries, planting teams, and alternative enterprises like mushroom farming.
Strengthen women and youth leadership by supporting them to run community tree nurseries and take active roles in restoration.
The Goal
By 2029, at least 121,000 thriving trees will be standing tall again in Atewa — improving biodiversity, stabilizing soils, securing water sources, and creating sustainable incomes.
Why It Matters
This project is not only about trees. It’s about people and nature thriving together. Communities gain skills, jobs, and food security, while the Atewa Forest regains its role as a safe haven for endangered species and a shield against climate change.
Project Partners
Project at a Glance
Location: Atewa Forest Landscape, covering Abuakwa South, Atewa West, Ayensuano, West Akyem, and Kwaebibirem Districts, Ghana.
Duration: 2024 – 2029
The Difference It Makes
Protects rare and endangered species in Atewa Forest
Safeguards clean water for over 5 million people
Builds climate resilience and food security
Empowers women and youth through sustainable livelihoods
