The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, with support from the 11th Hour Project organized a two-day training session for members of the association. The training, which centred on promoting agroecology and sustainable farming, practices among farmers, was held at the Caleb Farms at Asuboni Rails in the Kwahu East district of the Eastern region. In attendance were members of the association from the Kwahu East, Kwahu West, Nsawam and Suhum districts within the region, as well as officials of the department of agriculture. Farmer leaders across selected districts in the Oti and Volta regions also participated in the training sessions to serve as trainer of trainers in their respective farmer groups. The session comprised of both theoretical and practical trainings on agroecology.
Ramla Keelson, the project officer of PFAG emphasized that the trainings had become necessary due to the limited or no knowledge on agroecology, sustainable farming practices and organic pesticide and fertilizer preparation using indigenous materials, among members of the association. Farmers were encouraged to adopt sustainable farming practices in the wake of climate change effects currently affecting food production across Ghana and the world at large. Participants were entreated to replicate the knowledge gained from the trainings to reach many more farmers at the various communities.
Mr. Sampson Appiah, the owner of Caleb Farms, educated participants on sustainable ways to produce food while protecting the environment. In his presentation, areas of interest such as principles of agroecology and sustainable farming practices, and factors to consider in establishing a farm business were discussed with attention on factors such as availability of land, access to water source, proper application of fertilizers and pesticides among others. He mentioned that, it is important for farmers to embrace Best Management Practices (BMP), which comprise zero or no tillage, no burning, row planting, crop rotation, mulching and crop diversification to improve farm incomes.
In addition, Mr. Prosper Mensah, the municipal officer in charge of extension services of the department of agriculture, guided members on the preparation of organic pesticides and fertilizers. Participants were educated on the organic materials to use for the preparations, and the processes involved as well as the application process. He indicated that the department of agriculture is committed to training farmers on the use of organic pesticides and fertilizers to promote sustainable farming practices while safeguarding the environment. He encouraged participants to extend the training to more farmers and as well, prepare and use the organic products on their farms.
The session afforded participants to share their insights on sustainable farming practices as well as putting across their concerns. Participants appreciated the knowledge shared, making the commitment to engage in sustainable practices such as no burning, preparation and use of organic fertilizers and pesticides to produce healthy food products. Other concerns shared were the need to create premium markets for agro ecological products produced by farmers. Farmers were assured that measures are being put in place to create reliable markets for such food products.