Kadjebi: The Iseguri Initiative, a Kadjebi-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has marked this year's World Food Day by organizing a capacity-building workshop aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture among women and youth. The event took place at the forecourt of Nkwanta Senior High School (NKWASEC) and focused on the theme: 'Empowering Women and Youth in Climate-Smart Agriculture for Sustainable Food Supply and Safety.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop gathered women farmers, youth leaders, agricultural experts, and policy advocates to explore sustainable agricultural practices amidst increasing environmental challenges. Mr. Raymond Buami, Projects Coordinator of the Iseguri Initiative, emphasized the organization's goal of nurturing a new generation of farmers who recognize the vital connection between land stewardship and life preservation.
Mr. Buami pointed out that the Oti and Volta regions are crucial zones for organic vegetable production in Ghana, encouraging participants to capitalize on the growing demand for organic produce to enhance their livelihoods and health. He also warned the youth against mercury use in illegal mining, citing its detrimental effects on the environment and their health.
Mr. Mubarak Awudu, Nkwanta South Municipal Director of the Department of Food and Agriculture (DoFA), highlighted the threat illegal mining poses to agriculture, especially for smallholder farmers. He noted that deforestation, erratic rainfall, and land degradation are exacerbating food insecurity, urging a shift toward sustainable farming practices.
Mr. Awudu called on the youth to view farming as a viable profession and to avoid illegal mining activities. He encouraged them to invest in environmentally friendly farming ventures. Miss Jemima Etse, Focal Person of the Iseguri Initiative, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to using climate-smart agriculture as a tool for empowering women and building community resilience.
Participants received practical training in organic composting, water conservation, sack gardening, and soil restoration. They were also encouraged to form community-based farming cooperatives to share resources and expand their farming activities.
The workshop concluded with a collective appeal to the government, traditional authorities, and citizens to intensify efforts against environmental degradation, particularly illegal mining, to protect the country's agricultural systems.
World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, was established by the United Nations to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on October 16, 1945. The day raises awareness about global hunger and food insecurity, promotes food security efforts, and emphasizes sustainable agriculture and food systems. It is observed worldwide in over 150 countries through various events and activities.
