CIKoD trains Agriculture Extension Officers on agro-ecological farming in Upper East

The Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD) recently conducted a training session for Agriculture Extension Agents in the Upper East Region, focusing on agro-ecological farming practices. The event, held in Bolgatanga, brought together key agriculture officials and stakeholders to enhance the capacity of extension officers and provide them with practical knowledge to share with farmers.

Speaking to JoyNews, CIKOD's Director of Programmes, Wilberforce Laate, explained that the training aimed to teach simple agro-ecological techniques and encourage these agents to disseminate this knowledge to farmers in their respective areas. Laate emphasized the initiative's goal of fostering a critical mass of farmers adopting sustainable farming practices, addressing concerns over the overuse of agricultural chemicals and their potential negative impact on food commodities.

Laate also disclosed that CIKOD and its partners are actively working on developing a comprehensive agro-ecological strategy or policy for Ghana. They have been in discussions with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Crop Services Directorate, with the intention of sharing a concept note on the proposed policy. Laate expressed optimism that, once the policy is finalized, the government will allocate budgetary resources for its implementation.

Agriculture Department officer in Bongo, Henry Ayamba, highlighted the significance of the training, particularly in building the capacity of Agriculture Extension Agents and increasing their awareness of agro-ecology. He cautioned that without increased investment in agriculture, there will be a subsequent rise in health-related expenses.

During the training, participants shared their practical learnings. Sarah Ayamba, from the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, expressed her newfound knowledge regarding the benefits of implementing agro-ecological principles on farms. She appreciated the workshop for its impactful insights and the field visit to an agroecology farm, which demonstrated how to utilize locally available resources to produce organic fertilizers.