Women farmers in the Kobilmahigu community of the Tolon District in the Northern Region have received training in intercropping and organic farming techniques to boost soil fertility and promote sustainable crop production.
The training workshop, organised by the Savannah Women Farmers Association (SWFA), formed part of the implementation of the Climate Change Resilience Landscape Restoration and Improved Livelihoods project, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The initiative aimed to promote climate-smart agriculture and strengthen the resilience of smallholder women farmers in northern Ghana.
Madam Salamatu Sakara, Chairperson of the Association, speaking during the training, said it was to build the capacity of women in sustainable farmland management and agroecology to promote environmental restoration and improve livelihoods.
She said as part of the project, the Association planned to establish a fenced community garden powered by a solar borehole to support all-year-round farming activities.
She said, “This garden will not only serve as a source of income but will also support the Village Savings and Loans Scheme already operating in the community helping women to save and strengthen their financial resilience.”
Madam Sakara encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained and share it with other women farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
She also encouraged them to desist from cutting down trees and prioritise tree planting to restore the loss of vegetation and ensure sustainable crop production in the communities.
Mr Edmund Ansaayiri, Agricultural Extension Agent for the Tali Operational Area, who facilitated the training, urged the women to adopt intercropping as a practical and sustainable method of maintaining soil fertility and boosting productivity.
He explained that intercropping was a practice of growing two or more crops on the same field, which enhanced soil nutrients, reduced pest infestations, and promoted biodiversity.
He said, “When crops like maize and legumes are grown together, the legumes fix nitrogen into the soil enriching it naturally and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.”
Mr Ansaayiri advised farmers to complement intercropping with organic farming techniques such as composting and the use of animal manure, warning that excessive application of agrochemicals and weedicides could degrade the soil and harm the environment.
More than 100 women farmers participated in the training workshop, which featured practical demonstrations on intercropping methods, compost preparation, and other best agronomic practices.
Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained, noting that the adoption of intercropping and organic farming would help them reduce production costs, maintain soil health, and improve long-term productivity.
source: Access Agric
