In an effort to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change, Climate Change Advisors Ghana (CCAG), a not-for-profit organization, is pioneering a groundbreaking project titled “Mobilizing Community Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience in Ghana.” Dr. Samuel Ayeh Ofori, Director of Programmes and Research for CCAG, emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge as “traditional science” that local communities use to improve their livelihoods.
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| Dr. Ofori addressing the media |
In an effort to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change, Climate Change Advisors Ghana (CCAG), a not-for-profit organization, is pioneering a groundbreaking project titled “Mobilizing Community Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience in Ghana.” Dr. Samuel Ayeh Ofori, Director of Programmes and Research for CCAG, emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge as “traditional science” that local communities use to improve their livelihoods.
Local farmers in Ghana have been grappling with multiple challenges brought about by climate change, including soil erosion due to heavy downpours, nutrient depletion, and increased pest infestations. To address these issues, CCAG introduced innovative interventions, such as the use of local manure to enhance soil fertility and the implementation of integrated pest management techniques.
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| CCAG visits local farmers |
What sets CCAG’s approach apart is its “participatory rural approach,” which engages a wide spectrum of community members, including opinion leaders, youth groups, marginalized women, and men. This approach fosters commitment, participation, ownership, and adoption of the strategies introduced by CCAG.
Currently, the project has impacted 300 local farmers across nine communities in the Cape Coast North District in the Central Region of Ghana. CCAG is now extending the project to two additional municipalities, Mfantseman and Agona East District, with the aim of reaching 3,000 people within these areas.
However, the sustainability of this vital initiative is at risk, as it has been solely supported by the founders of CCAG. Dr. Samuel Ayeh Ofori passionately appealed to the international community for long-term financing and support, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of rural farming communities in Africa to the effects of climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions.
Several local farmers shared their experiences with the project:
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| Mr. Ahmed speaks on CCAG’s intervention |
Nasir Ahmed expressed his gratitude for the training sessions and knowledge provided by CCAG, emphasizing the positive changes they are witnessing. He further described the disruptions in planting seasons caused by unpredictable weather patterns and the challenges they bring to farmers. Mr. Ahmed offered his heartfelt thanks to CCAG and appealed to the government and donor agencies for support, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge they have provided.
Efia Wiredu noted the shifts in farming practices due to changing land fertility and increased pest pressures. She highlighted how CCAG’s training has been instrumental in helping them adapt to these challenges.
Kwame Mensah showcased the work he has accomplished with CCAG’s support.
Adowa Haleema shed light on the challenges faced by farmers due to climate change and expressed her hope for continued government and NGO support to sustain the work started by CCAG.
Egya Kojo Alhassan credited CCAG’s advice for eliminating harmful farming practices like burning fields before planting.
Ekow Issah described how CCAG helped farmers adapt to changing planting seasons and improve their understanding of soil nutrients and fertilizer use.
The inspiring work of CCAG in empowering local communities to combat the effects of climate change underscores the need for ongoing financial support to ensure the sustainability of their initiatives and the continued success of Ghana’s resilient farming communities.
Use the link below to watch the full documentary.
