Nyariga: The Women Poultry and Livestock Association (WOPOLA) has launched a significant tree planting and soya bean farming initiative in the Nyariga community within the Bolgatanga Municipality to address climate change and bolster food security. The project involves distributing improved soya bean seeds to women farmers, aiding in sowing activities, and planting 400 economic and medicinal trees at strategic public institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, beneficiary institutions include the Nyariga Primary School, Nyariga Junior High School, Nyariga Girls Model School, and the Nyariga Health Facility. The tree species planted are neem, gmelina, mango, cashew, guava, and teak.
Mrs. Theresa Alegmiah, President of WOPOLA, highlighted that the initiative is part of a larger agenda to empower women and protect the environment, aiming to enhance community resilience against climate change while improving food and nutrition security. She stated that beyond tree planting, women are sowing soybeans to promote household nutrition and generate income through agriculture. She emphasized the critical role of trees, noting their benefits in providing shade, food, medicine, and protection from storms.
Ms. Diana Asamane, Project Coordinator of WOPOLA, mentioned that the activity supports the government’s Tree for Life (Green Ghana) Initiative and contributes to national afforestation efforts. She expressed that the initiative is redefining the role of women in development, expanding beyond traditional roles to include tree planting, farming, livestock rearing, and honey production.
The initiative is self-funded, and Ms. Asamane appealed for support from government agencies, corporate bodies, individuals, and donor organizations to sustain and expand their efforts. Plans are underway to extend operations to all 15 districts in the Upper East Region and later to the Upper West, North East, Northern, and Savannah Regions.
Mr. Fredrick Appiah, speaking on behalf of the Headteacher of the Nyariga Primary School, praised the women for their devotion and highlighted the importance of community ownership in maintaining such projects. He noted that the involvement of women and the community in nurturing the trees distinguishes this project from others, ensuring sustained care and protection.
WOPOLA is a community-based women’s empowerment organization active across various districts in the Upper East Region. It unites women involved in poultry farming, livestock rearing, honey production, tree planting, and crop cultivation, aiming to improve household incomes, enhance food security, and contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting collective action and elevating the role of women in national development.