In a bid to enhance agricultural sustainability, more than 200 farmers have received training in the production of organic fertilizers using animal droppings and plant extracts. The initiative, spearheaded by SOS-GrEEn Ghana, aims to improve soil structure and increase crop yields while reducing reliance on costly chemical fertilizers imported into the country.
Supported by the UNCDF and the European Union Africa Development Fund, the SOS-GrEEn initiative seeks to create employment opportunities and foster a climate-resilient green environment in Ghana. The training sessions, held in selected districts within the Ashanti and Western Regions, provided beneficiaries with the skills to produce efficient organic fertilizers by combining poultry droppings, Neem tree leaves, and ashes from cocoa pods.
Chief of Asempanaye, Nana Kofi Aboagye II, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and SOS-Ghana to conduct research aimed at transforming organic manure into high-quality fertilizers. He highlighted the potential of locally produced organic fertilizers to rejuvenate soil fertility and improve farmers’ economic livelihoods.
“I would entreat the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with ‘SOS-grEEN Ghana’ to expand research to be able to transform our animal droppings into quality fertilizer attractive to farmers just like the foreign ones. If we don’t think smart, we will sit down and allow these Chinese and other Westerners to conquer us in all walks of life”, the chief remarked.
The project aligns with the government’s “Green Ghana Agenda,” which aims to restore degraded landscapes and protect the environment. It addresses concerns about deforestation and soil degradation caused by farmers seeking fertile land and illegal logging activities.
Mr Abdul-Muhmin Ibrahim, a training mentor coach from SOS-Ghana, expressed confidence that the skills imparted to farmers would enable them to produce organic fertilizers at a lower cost, thereby enhancing their agricultural productivity and promoting healthier food production.
Getting these skills would help them produce the organic fertilizers locally and help them put some money into their pocket while also giving us organic foods which will help prevent us from so many illnesses derived from foods that are produced from inorganic fertilizers”
“We targeted 200 farmers today but we have exceeded the number now and it is not a one-day wonder, subsequently, we will extend it to other districts within the Ashanti and Western regions”, he intimated.
The initiative received a commendation from Mr Patrick Amoah, Assistant Director of Agriculture for Offinso North, who praised SOS-GrEEn Ghana for complementing government efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture. He noted that the promotion of organic compost fertilizers aligns with the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program.
Supported by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the European Union Africa Development Fund (EUADF), the SOS-GrEEn Ghana project aims to address unemployment and infrastructure needs in Ghana. It is currently being implemented in six districts within the Ashanti and Western Regions.
