The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana with support from the 11th Hour Project organized a dialogue with stakeholders including farmers, Civil Society Organizations in the agroecology space, officials of the department of agriculture and the media. The engagement convened over forty participants drawn from across the Eastern, Volta and Oti regions and was held at the Institute of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Solutions (ISEES) at Teacher Mante in the Ayensuano district of the Eastern region.
In opening the session, the Project Officer of PFAG, Ramla Keelson stated that the purpose of the gathering was to convene stakeholders including farmers to educate them on agroecology and other sustainable farming practices while strengthening the agroecology movement in the region. The district director of the department of agriculture in the Ayensuano district appreciated the support from PFAG to train farmers within the region on agroecology and as well contributing to strengthening the movement. He encouraged various stakeholders to adopt and practice sustainable farming to ensure the production of safe food while protecting the environment.
Civil society organizations and institutions in the agroecology space including Trees for Development, Institute of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Solutions (ISEES) and the Agriculture Technical Institute took turns to educate participants on the roles and activities engaged to promote sustainable agriculture. Areas of attention include trainings on sustainable farming, community engagement on restoration of degraded lands to combat deforestation, the manufacturing and promotion of sustainable technologies such a solar water pumps among others.
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. Members committed to strengthen the agroecology movement in the region through the formation of formidable farmer groups to uphold sustainable practices as well, undertaking regular trainings on agroecology to improve farmers practice.