Peasant Farmers hold stakeholders’ engagement on agroecology in Volta Region

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) in the Volta Region has organised a stakeholders' engagement on agroecology, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of agrochemicals on land and agricultural products.The initiative is part of a broader collaborative effort between PFAG, and the 11th Hour Project aimed at promoting the knowledge, practice, and adoption of agroecology, while strengthening the Ghana Agroecology Movement (GAEM).Mr Bismark Owusu Nortey, the National Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, highlighted the dangers posed by agrochemicals.He stressed that these chemicals were not only damaging to the land but also harmful to human health and the environment.Mr Nortey emphasised the need for farmers to shift towards agroecological practices, which were more sustainable and eco-friendlier.He added that the initiative was supported by international donors through the 11th Hour Project, which aims to support PFAG's efforts to educate farmers on the b enefits of agroecology.The project's goal is to help farmers adopt practices that reduce dependency on chemical inputs, preserve soil fertility, and increase resilience to climate change.Mr Duncan Raymond Amoah, a Focal person with PFAG for the Volta and Oti Regions, expressed concern about the widespread use of agrochemicals in both regions and urged farmers to consider agroecological systems to mitigate the harmful impact of these products.He said agroecology offered a more sustainable path for farming, ensuring the long-term health of the land and its productivity.Mr William Dzamefe, the Volta Regional Director of Agriculture, advised farmers to diversify their farming methods and avoid relying solely on chemical-based farming.He pointed out that with the growing impact of climate change, it was essential for farmers to adopt innovative and sustainable practices that would ensure the viability of their farms in the future.Several participants at the event shared positive feedback, expressing op timism about how the engagement would help improve their farming methods.Mercy Afedo, one of the participants, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the discussions on agroecology had provided valuable insights which she planned to implement on her farm.The engagement also serves as a call to action for the government to support farmers in transitioning to agroecological systems.Agroecology, which emphasises sustainable farming practices that work in harmony with the environment, is being positioned as a solution to the environmental and health challenges caused by the overuse of agrochemicals.Following the engagement in the Volta Region, the PFAG team plans to expand its outreach to the Oti Region and other parts of the country to engage with more peasant farmers and promote the adoption of agroecology nationwide.The initiative underscores the growing movement towards more sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana, with the aim of creating healthier ecosystems, improving food security, and enhanc ing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.Source: Ghana News Agency