BONO AGRIC DEPARTMENTS REPORT ON COLLABORATION WITH DP PROJECTS (GIZ, USAID, WFP, JICA, etc.)

CARE International in Ghana, in partnership with the Sunyani West Department of Agriculture, has undertaken field demonstrations on maize and rice. The objective is to demonstrate the effect of improved seed varieties and appropriate fertilizer application on the growth and yield performance of maize and rice, in relation to the local practices.

The specific objectives included comparing the productivity outcomes of improved versus farmer-saved seeds and evaluating the impact of fertilizer application at planting versus two weeks after planting, to promote evidence-based adoption of climate-smart and yield-enhancing practices among farmers. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed with four treatments:

During the reporting period, land selection, land preparation, planting, and fertilizer applications on 17 demonstrations across the district were carried out. These included 12 demonstrations on maize, two demonstrations on rice, and three demonstrations on soybeans (nutrition). In all,  304 participants benefited, including 182 females.

The Dormaa West Department of Agriculture has collaborated with the ECO Harvest Hub (an NGO) to implement the Youth in Agriculture Programme (YiAP) through the formation of School Farm Clubs. This aims to train, coach, guide, and introduce students to improved vegetable farming technologies.

The use of waste materials/items, such as plastic containers, bottles, car tires, tins, and sacks, was introduced to the students, along with soil testing kits. The Project is targeted at the youth between the ages of 10 and 19 years.

During the reporting period, sensitization exercises were conducted, while tomatoes, okra, and lettuce were cultivated, with technical support provided by the Department of Agriculture. Four Primary/Junior High Schools in Nkrankwanta benefited.