The PFAG, as part of its effort to increase farmers’ adoption of sustainable farming practices, and with support from 11th Hour Project, organized a two-day capacity building session for its members in the Techiman North and South, Kintampo North and South, and Nkoranza Municipal and south districts in the Bono East Region of Ghana. The sessions entailed practical and theoretical trainings on agroecology for members of the association and other stakeholders including directors of department of agriculture, and like-minded civil society organizations (CSOs) in the various districts.
Mr. Benjamin Sarfo, programmes officer of PFAG emphasized that the capacity building 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. He encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices in the wake of climate change effects currently impacting food production across Ghana and the world at large. Farmers were encouraged to adopt agroecology, with an assurance of the PFAG secretariat to support farmers practicing and producing products from agroecology practices. Participants were entreated to replicate the knowledge gained from the trainings to reach many more farmers at the grassroot level.
Mrs. Regina Daberin, the regional focal person and a Board member of PFAG in the Bono East region re-echoed the significance of farmers strengthening their groups at the community level in order to push for interventions that support their activities.
Mr. James Opaokpajor, the center coordinator of Opaokpajor Youth & Development Center educated participants on sustainable ways to promote food production while protecting the environment. In his presentation, areas of interest such as principles of agroecology and sustainable farming practices, hands-on practical sessions on how to prepare organic pest and fungi spray and organic liquid fertilizer using fish 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, row planting, crop rotation, mulching and intercropping to complement their productivity. He further stressed on the need for farmers to use quality inputs such as seeds to improve productivity.
In endorsing and complementing PFAG for the action, Mr. Stephen Aidoo, District Director of Agriculture, Techiman Municipal assured the farmers that, his office will build on this capacity-building workshop to mobilize and support smallholder farmers in the district who are effectively implementing agroecology and sustainable farming. He further urges that; he will include these insightful training details in his quarterly report and seek support from the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council on possibilities of reaching out to other communities on the need to uptake agroecology and sustainable farming practices.
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 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 agroecological products produced by farmers. Farmers were assured that measures are being put in place to create reliable markets for such food products.