A youth-led initiative aimed at promoting climate-resilient agriculture and empowering farmers for sustainable farming practices has been launched in Tamale.
The Resilient Roots of Change: Empowering Ghanaian Youth for Sustainable Agriculture initiative seeks to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to adapt to climate change and drive innovation in the agricultural sector.
Launched by the Ghana Youth Guide, a youth-focused advocacy and empowerment organization operating in northern Ghana, the initiative formed part of broader efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The launch brought together stakeholders from the agricultural sector, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, youth groups, students from second-cycle schools, women farmers, and persons with disabilities.
It was organised under the theme: “Empowering the Ghanaian Youth for Sustainable Agriculture in Ghana”.
The two-year initiative, supported by the DIB and the Civil Society in Development (CISU), both based in Denmark, would be implemented in 10 communities across Savelugu and Tolon Districts.
Beneficiary communities include Libga, Zaazi, Bihinaayili, Nyoglo, Savelugu, Gbulahgu, Gbanjong, Kamonaayili, Tolon, and Galinkpegu.
Mr. Prince Chentiwuni Abdul-Fataw, the Executive Director of Ghana Youth Guide, speaking during the launch, said it was to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices, improve food security, and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
He added that the intervention would not only support sustainable agriculture but also introduce household farmers to climate-smart seeds that were more resilient to erratic weather conditions.
He said: “Our organisation, through strategic partnerships, has collaborated with scientific crop research agencies and identified specific crop varieties classified as climate-smart agricultural seeds. Beneficiary farmers are being encouraged to adopt them, and we believe these will significantly improve their yields.”
He emphasised that, “We must also invest in building the institutional capacity of the Ghana Meteorological Agency, especially in early warning systems and climate-smart seed distribution. These are crucial elements in strengthening resilience among smallholder farmers especially in climate-vulnerable areas.”
Hajia Fatahiya Abdul-Aziz, Member of Parliament for Savelugu Constituency, whose speech was read on his behalf, commended Ghana Youth Guide and its partners for the initiative.
She urged all to embrace innovation and digital technologies including mobile applications, drones, and sustainable farming methods such as conservation agriculture and organic farming to enhance agricultural productivity.
She encouraged the youth to take up leadership roles to help influence policies and programmes that supported sustainable agriculture.
Madam Widad Mumuni of the Savelugu Municipal Department of Agriculture, described the initiative as timely and strategic, saying it would complement ongoing efforts to promote sustainable farming practices in the area.
Traditional leaders from the beneficiary communities who attended the event pledged their support for the successful implementation of the initiative.
SOURCE: ACCESS AGRIC
