Know more about the real impact of Agriaccess project through real stories
The Garibanye group story
In the midst of Ping, a charming and visionary community of farmers surrounded by sorghum fields, got together to form the Garibanye Group: a farming collective operating under Agriaccess Ghana Limited.
Committed to enhancing farming practices in their community and bolstering their incomes, this group of 25 have been dedicated to sorghum production, yielding a combined quantity of around 20 tons annually for the last decade.
Despite their efforts, the Garibanye Group faced challenges such as high input costs, limited access to ploughing services, and a lack of mechanization, hindering their ability to scale production to a potential 40 tons. Soil nutrient depletion and structural issues due to consistent ploughing and chemical fertilizer use added to their struggles. These obstacles, combined with unpredictable weather patterns and rising input costs, underscored the need for a more sustainable approach.
Driven by a passion for farming and environmental stewardship, the group envisioned embracing regenerative agriculture a holistic method aimed at restoring soil health, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity.
In 2023, Agriaccess in partnership with IDH and Mastercard Foundation, introduced regenerative agriculture technology to three locations with three groups, including the Garibanye Group. At the end of the season, the Garibanye group’s farm exhibited excellent results, having been trained in a cost-effective, easy, and high-yielding system for growing grains while preserving soil nutrients.
The journey began with training sessions conducted by agronomical experts from IDH, emphasizing the benefits of regenerative practices and the importance of soil health and ecosystem interconnectedness. The Garibanye farmers gradually witnessed the transformative impact on their crops and livelihoods.
The group implemented key principles, particularly cover cropping during off-seasons to shield the soil from erosion, enhance fertility, and naturally suppress weeds. Once-barren fields now flourished with a diverse array of plants, signalling the regeneration of the soil.
As the Garibanye Group continued their regenerative practices, they observed a reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Embracing compost and natural fertilizers, they highlighted the significance of nutrient cycling within the ecosystem. Healthier soils led to increased crop yields, bolstering their confidence in the sustainability journey.
The Garibanye Group emerged as a source of inspiration for neighbouring communities with their successful pilot of regenerative agricultural practices. Recognized as the best sorghum farming group in the Jirapa district of the Upper West Region during the 2023 Farmer’s Day celebration in Sabuli, they received tarpaulins and a handheld planter to facilitate their work in the upcoming planting season.
Leading the way in promoting regenerative agricultural practices, the Garibanye Group not only excelled in sorghum farming but also pioneered these practices for various crops in the region.
The resilience of John Liepie
John Liepie is a 27-year-old registered nurse who successfully completed his training in September 2020. Despite coming from a challenging background, he was determined to pursue his education and secure employment to improve his family’s financial situation. Before enrolling in nursing college, he worked in mining pits for several years and saved up enough money to pay for his education. However, since graduating, John has been struggling to find a job.
Youth unemployment is a significant issue in Ghana, primarily due to a government-imposed ban on employment in the health and education sectors for the past five years. This ban has resulted in numerous nursing and teacher graduates being without job opportunities for approximately three years. With support from the Grains for Growth Program (G4G), Agriaccess has been able to extend its reach in terms of farmer support, leading to increased yield volumes and, consequently, an opportunity to hire additional personnel for grain purchasing at the field level.
Faced with the responsibility of supporting his family, John was on the brink of resorting to illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” which he had been doing since high school.
“As the first child in my family and having lost my father at an early age, I’ve been compelled to bear some responsibilities for my younger siblings who are still in school. Unfortunately, the only available means for me was through engaging in galamsey. Joining Agriaccess has been a game-changer in my life. With the commission I earn on every bag, I can now pay rent and other bills, as well as support my mom and siblings who are now in senior high school. This opportunity has helped me fulfill my responsibilities with ease compared to the past.”
An opportunity arose for Agriaccess to hire additional field purchasing agents. John seized this opportunity, displaying optimism and accepting the role of a field purchasing agent on a commission basis. His compassionate approach, genuine desire to contribute, and hard work quickly earned the trust of local farmers. Currently operating in over six communities, John assists in input recovery, grain quality inspection, and grain purchase.
Now enjoying a stable income from a legitimate and safe activity, John has not only transformed his own life but also contributes to his community’s growth and supports his family. His journey underscores the potential for individuals to carve out meaningful roles within the agricultural sector, providing hope and inspiration to other young people facing similar challenges.
A message for youth
John’s transition from being a nurse to an agricultural field purchasing officer not only offered him a means of survival but also served as an inspiration for other youth seeking a place in the value chain to generate income. His resilience, adaptability, and commitment to service demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, one can find new paths to positively contribute to society.
I encourage young men and women, especially unemployed graduates, to explore opportunities within the agriculture value chain, as there are numerous job opportunities one can benefit from.
Empowering Women in Agriculture: Breaking Barriers in Kogri
In the remote village of Kogri, located in the upper west region of the northern parts of Ghana, women have long been the driving force behind agriculture. The tasks of sowing seeds, thinning out, fertilizer application and harvesting were traditions passed down through generations. However, these women could not fully participate in farming as their own pursuit due the lack of access to ploughing services.
In these rural communities, ploughing services were traditionally dominated by men, making it challenging for women to secure them. The persisting outdated belief that farming was exclusively a man’s domain left many women at a disadvantage in obtaining tractor services. Consequently, numerous women were discouraged from engaging in farming, despite their deep-rooted connection to the land.
Amidst these challenges, a ray of hope emerged. Agriaccess Ghana, in collaboration with IDH, recognized the urgent need for change and decided to tackle the gender disparity in agriculture head-on. Agriaccess formulated an innovative plan to empower women by offering tractor services to women’s groups within the communities.
Agriaccess collaborated with tractor service providers to ensure the efficient and timely provision of ploughing services. These tractors were made available to women’s groups at affordable rates, thanks to the collaboration with IDH. The initiative aimed not just to enhance agricultural productivity but also to instil a sense of empowerment among women.
The initiative began with a series of awareness campaigns aimed at educating the women on the benefits of farming and the opportunity in the sorghum value chain as well as collaborating with landlords and traditional leaders to allocate lands for women to easily access for farming. Moreover, Women were urged to unite and form groups, breaking the isolation that often impeded their progress. The objective was not only to provide ploughing services but to establish a support system that would help women overcome societal barriers.
The impact was profound an increasing number of women in the community embraced the opportunity to cultivate their own land, resulting in a rise in the cultivation of sorghum. The Kogri women’s group evolved into a space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. With access to tractor services, women in this community could actively participate in decision-making processes, share the financial burden with their husbands, promote peace and harmony, and contribute to the education of their children.
As the project continue to flourish, Agriaccess Ghana and IDH envisioned expanding their reach to other communities, initiating a ripple effect of positive change. The success of the initiative not only showcased the potential of women in agriculture but also underscored the significance of inclusive practices for sustainable development.