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Civil society groups urged to work closely with each other to maximize impact
Ghana - 17 August, 2022
As part of efforts to mitigate the numerous challenges confronting stakeholders in the agriculture sector, the ReDIAL project organized a coordination meeting for agriculture and environment-related civil society groups in the Ejura Municipality. The purpose of the meeting, which was held at the Ejura Agricultural College and Mechanization Centre was to create a platform that would enhance partnership, open dialogue, and peer sharing among Civil Society organizations (CSOs) operating in the municipality.
Civil society groups who participated in the meeting include Care International, Women Integrated Development Organization (WIDO), Rural Smile Foundation, Ghana Commodity Exchange, Friends of Trees and River Bodies, Rockland Foundation, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), BAPWAYS Agri Solutions Ghana, World Food Programme (WFP), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Oak Foundation, Concern and Support Foundation, Hiawoanwu Women’s Group, Nfa Nni Agoro Farmers Association, Christian Corporative Farmers Association, among others.
During the meeting, the various civil society groups took turns to highlight their areas of focus/interest, challenges encountered in their line of work, and opportunities for synergy. The presentation of Salifu Abubakr from Nfa Nni Agoro Farmers Association was adjudged exemplary. He shared that the cereal and grain farmer group was formed to help members farm sustainably. Training sessions are organized for group members with assistance from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) Extension Officers. The group has a threshing machine which is used to thresh cereals and grains of group members. Mr Abubakr continued that the group has successfully completed a deal to sell farm produce to the government and to some notable markets in Wa, Kumasi, Bolgatanga, and Techiman, among other areas. Nfa Nni Agoro Farmers Association has acquired scales to weigh farm produce before sale and as such, group members do not have a problem with the size five issue encountered by other farmers in Ejura and Techiman.
Speaking at the well-attended meeting, Ben Leo Addah, Ejura Agric Director reminded participants that addressing most of the challenges plaguing the agriculture sector requires well-coordinated and concerted efforts, collaboration, and partnership with government, CSOs, experts and local communities. He called on the civil society groups to work closely with each other in order to maximize the impact of development interventions at the local level. Mr Addah challenged other farmer groups to emulate the strategy of Nfa Nni Agoro Farmers Association.
The CSOs lauded the initiative by the EU-funded ReDIAL project and pledged their unflinching support in diverse ways.