The Ingraining Development for Empowerment and Advancement of Society (IDEAS Ghana) has convened a major stakeholders’ conference in Zuarungu to tackle the growing impacts of climate change on agriculture in the Upper East Region.
Funded by the German-based organization African Action, the event focused on the theme: “Promoting increased adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices among smallholder farmers.” The conference aimed to strengthen the resilience of farmers facing erratic rainfall, flooding, windstorms, and declining crop yields, challenges that have intensified food insecurity across vulnerable districts.
Participants included officials from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, representatives from the Bolgatanga East District Assembly, agriculture-focused NGOs, smallholder women farmers, and members of the media.
Dr. Joseph Ayembilla, Executive Director of IDEAS Ghana, called for closer collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to mitigate environmental impacts and position the Upper East Region as a model for climate-smart agriculture. “We must actively work to transform our micro-climate to support sustainable productivity,” he said.
A major highlight of the conference was the promotion of Women Extension Volunteers to bridge the gap between farmers and professional extension services. Over the past three years, IDEAS Ghana trained 22 volunteers in the Bawku West District, reaching 1,500 female farmers, of whom 1,312 successfully adopted organic practices such as compost production and crop rotation. Dr. Ayembilla noted that these sustainable methods are cost-effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers for rural women.
Dr. Gloria Kukuriji Adeyiga, Research Scientist at the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, advocated for integrated systems combining agroforestry, crop diversification, and livestock integration. “This approach is native to our landscape and the most effective way for households to remain resilient and secure food in the face of environmental hazards,” she said.
Mr. Allanburns Debey Sebil of the Bolgatanga East District Assembly described the engagement as “fruitful” and emphasized the need for sustained government and donor support to expand conservation and climate-smart training programs to more farmers.
IDEAS Ghana continues to drive inclusive rural development and empower vulnerable communities by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that safeguard livelihoods and food security in the Upper East Region.
