AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENTS IN MMDAs IMPLEMENT KEYHOLE GARDENING TECHNOLOGY

The Sunyani West and Banda Departments of Agriculture, in collaboration with CARE International Ghana, implemented the Keyhole Gardening technology, training farmers on a sustainable and climate-smart agricultural technique designed to enhance household food security and nutrition, especially in areas with limited water supplies.

In the Sunyani West Municipality, beneficiary communities include Kobedi, Sereso, Atakrom, Biposo, Boikro, Agyeikrom, and Timber Nkwanta, while Bongase Lapla benefited in Banda. A total of 169 farmers were trained, comprising 64 males and 105 females, with 125 farmers adopting the technology.

Keyhole gardens are small, raised circular gardens featuring a central composting basket, enabling the efficient use of water and organic waste. They are ideal for growing vegetables year-round, even during dry seasons, and are particularly beneficial for vulnerable households.

The training sessions covered:

• The concept and benefits of keyhole gardens
• Step-by-step construction using locally available materials
• Composting techniques and water conservation methods, and
• Selection of suitable vegetables for cultivation