The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has trained 15 women and young farmers in beekeeping, honey production and mushroom cultivation to diversify their livelihoods and strengthen their economic resilience.
The training, held at Awuronsua in the Kwahu West Municipality of the Eastern Region, formed part of the Association’s efforts to promote agroecological practices, improve household incomes and expand livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers.
A statement said the initiative, funded by the 11th Hour Project, was aimed at equipping beneficiaries with practical skills and resources to establish additional income-generating enterprises.
As part of the intervention, PFAG provided the beneficiaries with 75 beehives and stands, smokers, bee suits, knives, brushes and beeswax to support their beekeeping activities.
The Association also distributed 300 mushroom bags containing spawns to the beneficiaries to support mushroom cultivation.
Mr Bismark Owusu Nortey, Executive Director of PFAG, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the materials effectively and maintain the equipment properly to ensure the sustainability of their enterprises.
He stressed the importance of commitment, sound management practices and the consistent application of the skills acquired during the training.
Mr Nortey said effective management of the enterprises would help improve productivity, profitability and the long-term sustainability of the additional livelihood activities.
Mr George Nkansah, PFAG Focal Person for Kwahu West, expressed appreciation to the Association and the 11th Hour Project for supporting the initiative.
He said the intervention would equip smallholder farmers with practical skills and resources to explore additional livelihood opportunities and strengthen their economic resilience.
The initiative also sought to empower women and young people by providing them with opportunities to develop alternative sources of income alongside their farming activities.
He said the promotion of beekeeping and mushroom cultivation formed part of its broader efforts to encourage agroecological practices that supported agricultural production and environmental protection.
He said such interventions could help farming households diversify their income sources and reduce their vulnerability to economic and agricultural challenges.
He reaffirmed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people, through skills development and livelihood diversification initiatives.
Through the 11th Hour Project, PFAG continues to promote sustainable agricultural practices and alternative livelihood activities to improve the incomes and resilience of smallholder farming households.
Source: GNA
