Nabdam District, Upper East Region, Ghana
In an ambitious stride toward sustainable agricultural intensification, the EWA BELT Consortium, in collaboration with partners from across East and West Africa, embarked on an illuminating field trip to the Nabdam District in Ghana’s Upper East Region.
Agricultural Discovery and Collaboration
The trip, which unfolded on the 4th day of the EWA BELT Stakeholders Workshop, brought Consortium members and partners face-to-face with the local farming community. It provided a unique opportunity to interact with native farmers and to witness firsthand the transformative technologies introduced by the EWA BELT project, jointly led by CSIR-SARI (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute) and Kundok Development Consult (KDC).
Cutting-edge Technologies Unveiled
The field trip showcased a remarkable array of agricultural innovations, including the installation of automatic weather stations within the community. These stations, a testament to modern technology, serve as invaluable tools for farmers to monitor weather conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions for their agricultural practices.
Furthermore, attendees had the privilege of experiencing captivating crop demonstrations, featuring varieties of Fonio and Frafra potato, along with other agronomic practices that are revolutionizing farming methods in the region.
A Global Learning Experience
This voyage of agricultural discovery also served as a platform for knowledge exchange among participants from diverse geographical regions, including Eastern Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia), West Africa (Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone), and Europe (UK, Italy, and Greece). Beyond the technologies on display, it offered a window into Ghana’s rich farming traditions and conservation strategies.
Farmers at the Heart of the Journey
One of the most poignant aspects of the field trip was the direct interaction with local farmers. Their enthusiasm and appreciation for the EWA BELT project’s contributions were tangible, reinforcing the project’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of those at the heart of agriculture.
Towards Sustainable Intensification
The EWA BELT Consortium, under the leadership of CSIR-SARI and KDC, is dedicated to the principles of Sustainable Intensification (SI). This approach seeks to increase agricultural yield while preserving precious natural resources such as water, soil, biodiversity, and land. Through fitting interventions tailored to local needs and contexts, the project aspires to promote food production systems in representative smallholder farming systems across East and West Africa.
Empowering Farmers for a Sustainable Future
The EWA BELT Consortium remains focused on fostering collaborative environments, exchanging best practices, and driving innovation in agriculture. With a strong emphasis on sustainable intensification and the integration of indigenous knowledge, the project is poised to make a substantial impact on crop and animal productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.