The African Union and the European Union alongside a number of implementing partners have launched the Consortium Europe-Africa on Research and Innovation for Food Systems Transformation #CEA_FIRST Project aimed at operationalizing the first priority of the AU-EU High level policy Dialogue (HLPD) focused on AU-EU International Research Consortium on Food and Nutrition Security for Sub-Saharan Africa #FNSSA .
CEA-FIRST is funded by the European Union as part of the Green Deal’s “From Farm to Fork” strategy (Horizon Europe budget envelope). It forms a crucial part of the EU’s “Global Gateway” strategic vision, which aims to establish sustainable and reliable connections serving citizens and the planet. This vision addresses pressing global challenges, from combating climate change to enhancing the competitiveness and security of global supply chains, particularly in Africa.
The project brings together 22 partners from Europe and Africa covering a wide range of expertise and stakeholders (research, NGOs, donors, extension workers, etc.) involved in the field of food and nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. It consists partly on lessons from the former #PAEPARD initiative, to the LEAP4FNSSA and now extended with new public and private network partners.
As outlined by the Coordinator of the Project, Dr Irene Annor-Frempong, the project have six main objectives including the following:
Providing public access to an extensive platform of knowledge in food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture.
Developing a robust methodology for analyzing Research and Innovation (R&I) activities and priorities.
Supporting the update of the AU-EU R&I partnership roadmap.
Establishing operational and thematic research working groups.
CEA-FIRST will facilitate connections between the IRC and the AU-EU high-level political dialogue.
It will create a learning environment, including communication channels, to support multi stakeholder networks and to strengthen R&I coordination.
CEA-FIRST will operationalise the International Research Consortium (IRC) as a long-term platform on food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture (FNSSA) in line with the FNSSA Roadmap of the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD). The project will be coordinated by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) from the Africa side and the European Alliance on Agricultural knowledge for Development (AGRINATURA), an Association of European Universities and Research Centres.
The IRC is a member-based, multi-actor platform and will work towards increasing synergies and coherence while reducing fragmentation and duplication of research efforts. Its aim is to promote higher returns on investments and impact on business development in Africa and Europe, by linking actors, research and innovation projects, initiatives, and funding programmes.
The final output will be a fully functional IRC. In the context of an essential transition in agri-food systems, compounded by the challenges of climate change and demographic shifts, the IRC is positioning itself as a vital tool for fostering an equitable and sustainable research and innovation partnership between Africa and Europe. This partnership focuses on bolstering agriculture as a key driver of economic development.
The IRC will also serve related AU-EU policy priorities, such as the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy and the Innovation Agenda of the HLPD, as well as the European Green Deal priorities (and farm to fork strategy) and the AU priorities including the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his opening remarks to kick-off the International Research Consortium and the #CEA_FIRST Project, the Executive Director of FARA, Dr. Aggrey Agumya recognized: “How it represents a larger and far-reaching formation that promises to revolutionize the partnership and working arrangements between African and European institutions.”
Project implementing partners from both Africa and Europe
Forum For Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Ghana (Coordinator)
European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge For Development (Agrinatura), France (Co-lead)
Centre For International Cooperation In Agronomic Research For DEVELOPMENT (CIRAD), France
Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the Netherlands
Agricultural Research Council Institute for Soil Climate and Water (ARC), South Africa
Consultancy Services: Commission Regional Case Studies on Effective Partnerships for Innovation
Name of Project:
CAADP-XP4
Activity Ref No:
CAADP-XP4 Activity: 2.3.5
Procurement Ref:
FARA/CAADP-XP4/CS/IC/2024/01
Issue Date:
Thursday, February 01, 2024
Submission Deadline:
Thursday, February 15, 2024
The CAADP-XP4 program, involving organizations like AFAAS, ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF, and FARA, aims to enhance the development of African agriculture for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods. FARA, as part of this program, seeks to strengthen its capacity and collaborate with stakeholders to support African countries in achieving CAADP and SDGs results. The program focuses on promoting food security, economic development, and climate resilience through effective partnerships and innovation. Over the past two decades, FARA has championed the Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) approach, including the Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) concept and Innovation Platforms (IP). The IAR4D/IP model has demonstrated positive impacts on livelihoods, research demand, and meeting end-user needs. As the agricultural sector undergoes changes, the CAADP-XP4 program introduces an activity to commission regional case studies on effective partnerships for innovation. FARA, in implementing this, plans to collate knowledge on AIS, update continental synthesis studies, support SROs in institutionalizing IAR4D/IP, and document stakeholder experiences on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSPs). Recognizing the evolving landscape, the TOR proposes a desk study to assess the continued relevance of the IAR4D-IP approach. This study includes synthesizing existing knowledge on AIS, reviewing the IAR4D-IP model with experts, collecting stakeholder experiences on AIS, and producing a third white paper on the IAR4D/IP model. The goal is to ensure the model’s adaptability to emerging issues in African agriculture, considering factors like food security, climate change, and evolving agricultural trends. The primary objective of this assignment is to engage a consultant to assess and document the effectiveness of the IAR4D/IP partnerships model for innovation to generate insights on the best model to ensure a collaborative effort for innovation in Africa.
This request for expression of interest aims to engage a consultant to carry out the following functions:
Desk study: a comprehensive desk review of existing literature, reports, studies, and documents on partnerships, innovation, multistakeholder arrangements for R&D, and other issues on agricultural innovation systems.
Surveys, Interviews, Key informant interviews, case studies, etc.
Online questionnaire to sampled stakeholders
Run a webinar with front-line experts, stakeholders and partners for validation exercise.
The Executive Director of FARA invites interested consultants to express interest in carrying out this assignment.
Consultants interested in this call must provide an Expression of Interest no longer than 10 pages, outlining proposed methodologies, references related to the execution of similar assignments, experience in similar areas, or evidence of knowledge and a proposed timeline. Brochures, CVs, and other supplementary materials submitted shall not be accounted for as part of the 10-page limit.
The anticipated period of performance for this consultancy is 30 man-days spread over three months (March 2024 to May 2024).
The individual consultant shall be selected based on procedures defined in the Procurement Guidelines of FARA.
Interested consultants may obtain further information from the Ag Director of Research and Innovation,Fatunbi Oluwole[[email protected]], and copy the Procurement Expert, Mr. Callistus Achaab [[email protected]], during the following hours: 9h00 to 16h00 GMT.
Please download the Terms of Reference below, for further information on this opportunity.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted electronically to [[email protected]] and addressed to Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, No 7 Flower Avenue, New Achimota, Mile 7, Accra, Ghana, no later than [highlight dark=”no”]Thursday, February 15, 2024[/highlight], at 16h00 GMT. Tel: +233 302 772823/744888.
FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Recruitment: there is no discrimination based on gender, race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability, or health status.
To catalyse economic development and enhance trade in Africa, requires actualising appropriate strategies and policies. This notion led to the conception of the Common Agro Industrial Park (CAIP) as part of the continental Common Africa Agro Parks (CAAPs) ratified by the African Union. The CAAP aspires to promote regional integration and trade among countries in Africa.
Zambia and Zimbabwe embarked on establishing the first-ever Common Agro Industrial Park (CAIP) in 2021 in Africa. The initiative focuses on maize and dairy value chains, as both countries offer their distinct comparative advantages, which are expected to enhance intra-trade and regional trade. Historically, the two countries have been producers of maize and dairy producing hubs. Despite being major producers, their trade patterns for these value chains have predominantly been raw materials with low product value addition and diversification, thereby resulting in value chain stagnation and curbing efforts to be food secure locally and on the global market.
To successfully implement CAIPs and achieve the desired results, Zambia and Zimbabwe undertook studies aimed at strengthening the maize and dairy chains in two phases. The first phase was held in Harare in 2022 and the second phase was held in Lusaka recently. The objective of the meeting was for government and stakeholders to provide an expert review and provide feedback on two reports to adequately inform and strengthen the value chain development between the two countries agreed value chains.
Speaking in Lusaka, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo reiterated that the two studies undertaken under Phase 2 of the project is to strengthen member states’ capacities to develop regional agricultural value chains will enhance diversification and intra-African trade being piloted under the joint industrialisation cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“Phase 1 of the project focused on regional value chain selection and assessment which culminated in a report that was validated in Harare in August 2022,” Mr Mtolo said.
H.E Reuben Mtolo Minister for Agriculture Zimbabwe
Mr Mtolo explained that the CAIP was set-up under the joint industrialisation cooperation programme between the two countries. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is pioneering the initiative in partnership with Economic Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and UNIDO anchored on article 99 of the COMESA treaty. This encourages member states to cooperate in industrial development to achieve broad objective of self-sustained and balanced growth and transformation.
He reaffirmed that this programme would make use of “complementaries of national resources, value addition skills, technology and marketing capabilities to produce [world class] goods and services that will be competitive on the regional and global arena.”
Mr Mtolo stated that drastic strides have been made towards the establishment of the CAIP, which the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has been coordinating.
“Maize and dairy value chains were initially the selected commodities to anchor the development of the CAIP, and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development is leading the initiatives to further develop these value chains to become more competitive and diversified as well as provide a smooth launchpad for CAIP,”Mr Mtolo said.
Consultant Andrew Mulenga stressed the importance of strengthening the policy implementation framework by providing adequate human and financial resources.
Dr Mulenga also emphasized the need for policy consistence to attract investors and also incentivise key players. “Investors are attracted when policies in place are consistent; we need to follow-up on consistency and also ensure regular review to avoid duplication and conflict. When policies keep changing, it doesn’t inspire investors,” Dr Mulenga said.
Dr Andrew Mulenga, Zambian Consultant
He pointed out the need to enhance stakeholder consultation and policy transparency. This entails making decisions with a consultative approach and maximise on attracting key players.
Dr Mulenga also called for the streamlining of agriculture budgets to support the drivers of productivity and value addition.
A Consultant from Zimbabwe Kingstone Mujeyi also emphasised the need for the two value chains to be produced for the regional market, and beyond the two countries’ capacity.
“The CAIPs are coming in as pilot projects among countries in Africa. The Zimbabwe and Zambia agreement has to succeed; and also develop further into regional agriculture value chains,” Dr Mujeyi said.
Dr Kingstone Mujeyi – Zimbabwean Consultant
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Director Musokotwane Sichizuwe explained the need to enhance competitiveness of the maize and dairy industries in both countries through upgrading all infrastructure, access to finance and promote public-private partnerships.
“We also need to sensitise the private sector on the CAIPs ad its relevance coupled with the inherent tangible,” Mr Sichizuwe.
H.E. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Zambia Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry
Mr Sichizuwe underscored the importance of the CAIP as it is a pilot project recognised by the African Union (AU) aimed at promoting economic integration and also enhance opportunities for trade.
Mr Sichizuwe also paid gratitude to UNECA, COMESA and consultants for the extensive work conducted so far which is meant to implement the CAIP effectively.
It is gratifying to see the extensive work conducted in ensuring the success of this value chain development. It is also key to involve all key stakeholders in this validation process in order to implement a comprehensive CAIP strategy.
The success of CAIP initiative hinges on the realisation of the high performing high value chain. The identified value chains need to provide diverse and innovative products which can compete effectively on the regional and global export market. –
In a Keynote Statement delivered on her behalf by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa’s Executive Director Dr. Aggrey Agumya, the African Union’s Commissioner for Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, HE Ambassador Josefa Sacko calls on African state Leaders and High-Level Business Executives for collaborative efforts to address Africa’s food security and boost agribusiness during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024 hosted by the President of Ghana H.E Nana Akuffo Addo at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in Accra.
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa’s Executive Director Dr. Aggrey Agumya delivering the Keynote speech on behalf of the AUC-DARBE Commissioner H.E Amb. Josefa Sacko.
“Your Excellencies, this reality has compelled us to rethink our approach and take decisive actions. It’s time to break free from the chains of dependency and create a resilient and self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem,” her speech read, rallying African governments and the private sector to support the African Union’s Common African Agro-Parks Programme (CAAPs) initiative, which aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The initiative was developed in collaboration with key High-Level partners on the continent, the AUDA-NEPAD, AfCFTA, AFREXIMBANK, and FARA. The CAAPs initiatve has gained momentum “with two Demonstration Projects set to commence this year— the Zambia-Zimbabwe CAAP for maize and dairy products, and the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana CAAP for Cocoa transformation” her speech read.
These projects are the steppingstones to the establishment of the five large agro-industrial zones with transboundary mega agro-industries and food supply corridors, strategically positioned in each of the five geographical regions of Africa that will reshape the landscape of African agriculture,” she noted.
Dr. Aggrey Agumya (FARA) with the Executive Secretary of the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, a panel speaker at the High-Level Panel II of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues
“CAAPs represents more than just a development initiative; they embody the resilience, determination, and collective will of the African continent to control its destiny. Our request for your full support and blessing is not just for the CAAPs but for a future where Africa leads in agriculture, agro-industrialization, and economic prosperity” she added.
A section of High-Level Delegates at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024
Assuring the participating audience of its high success rate, H.E Amb. Sacko says stakeholders “can establish a vibrant business platform under the CAAPs, utilizing the instruments of the AfCFTA to secure our place in the global food market.”
Therefore, “CAAPs are not just a roadmap; they are the vehicle for an agro-industrial revolution that Africa urgently needs. Let us pledge our commitment to this vision, supporting the CAAPs as the flagship program of the AU Agenda 2063”.
Dr. Aggrey Agumya
Dr. Aggrey Agumya on the choice of FARA as secretariat for the CAAPs, reiterated the role of FARA as the apex continental organization responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research for development (AR4D) in Africa while serving as the technical arm of the Africa Union Commission on matters concerning agriculture science, technology and innovation.
The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo addressed the congregation as well. He took the chance to commend all participants in attendance and the organizers, the Africa Prosperity Network for putting together such an important and unique platform for the deliberation and discussion of comprehensive policies aimed at boosting intra-African Trade. He also announced Ghana’s commitment to implement a visa-free policy for all Africans traveling to the country in 2024.
The President disclosed that the government has initiated processes to implement the policy within the year.
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, the President of the 4th Republic of Ghana
He stated that “I know that many of you had to acquire a visa to come to this event; we made a special arrangement for this conference. We reduced the visa acquisition fee by 50%, and we were thus able to receive your visa on arrival. The Government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free access for all Africans travelling into our country, and the process has begun to implement the policy this year.”
A section of High-Level Delegates and the President of Ghana at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024
The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) in collaboration with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat hold The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024, at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in Aburi, Ghana from January 25th to the 27th, hosting top business leaders, heads of international development institutions, social change markers, including heads of states among other diplomatic delegations. A few honorable mentions are the Ex-President of the Republic of Mozambique, Joachim Chissano, Executive Secretary of the AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, Dr Amany Asfour, the President of the Africa Business Council, Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, the assistant Director General of the FAO, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture Ghana, Dr. Ibrahim Mahama, Mme. Patricia Poku-Diaby among others.
Development of an automated repository and analytical framework for data and information on African Agricultural Science, Technology, and Innovation – – Upgrade the FARADataInformS and implement Artificial Intelligence Support Systems (Phase 4)
Name of Project:
CAADP-XP4
Activity Ref No:
FARA/DRI/KMLC/CAADP-XP4 4.1.3, 2.1.5 and 2.2.2
Procurement Ref:
FARA/CAADP-XP4/IC/2023/05
Issue Date:
Friday, December 29, 2023
Submission Deadline:
Monday, January 15, 2024
Extended Deadline: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) plays a pivotal role in agricultural research for development on the continent. After successfully implementing Medium Term Operational Plans (MTOP 1 and 2) by December 2018, FARA devised a new strategy to consolidate gains, with a key focus on developing and implementing the FARA Data and Information Systems. In response to challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector, FARA’s ten-year strategy (2019-2028) and five-year business plan emphasize knowledge management as a strategic driver for sustainable agriculture. Africa’s global knowledge contribution is the lowest due to limited institutional and individual capacity. Recognizing the importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI), FARA collaborates with the CAADP-XP4 Consortium to establish FARA Data and Information System (FARADataInformS) as a repository for relevant STI metrics, contributing to informed decision-making in agriculture. Over the past five years, FARADataInformS has served as a central hub for accessible agricultural knowledge and information.
However, with the rapid advancement in technological applications, the need to integrate modern applications and the important role of artificial intelligence, it is good practice to upgrade the FARADataInformS to address the functions listed in section 3 below.
To achieve the foregoing; FARA proposes to engage a suitable Lead Consultant with his/her team of experts (a Web & Database Expert, and a User Interface Expert) to carry out this assignment with the needed professionalism and ethics.
The primary objective of this consultancy is to improve the FARA Data and Information System (FARADataInformS), a knowledge hub that provides Science and Technology Indicators (STI) metrics at the country level. This upgrade aims to enhance functionality, usability, and effectiveness in disseminating information to stakeholders. It involves integrating databases, linking data sources, and introducing artificial intelligence features to strengthen the FARA Observatory on the Science Agenda and Africa AR4D.
This request for expression of interest aims at engaging a consultant and his/her team of experts to carry out the following functions:
Upgrade the current Drupal 7 to the latest version of Drupal or as appropriate.
Align/Integrate existing databases in FARA to the overall functionality of the FARADataInformS.
Develop relevant APIs to support the interoperability agenda of the CAADP-XP4 consortium.
Develop new tools and services based on feedback from users and in line with best practice.
Integrate FARA social media to the redesigned FARADataInformS to strengthen sharing, outreach, and engagement.
Introduce recommender systems and artificial intelligence functionalities that delivers the right solutions and add value to users.
Redesign the FARA Corporate website in alignment with the revised FARA 5-year business plan (2024-2028) of the 10 year strategy.
Integrate the DSpace online library facility to provide relevant resources to users and experts within the FARADataInformS.
The Executive Director of FARA invites interested consultants to express interest in carrying out this assignment.
Consultants interested in this call must provide an Expression of Interest no longer than 10 pages, outlining proposed methodologies, references related to the execution of similar assignments, experience in similar areas, or evidence of knowledge and a proposed timeline. Brochures, CVs, and other supplementary materials submitted shall not be accounted for as part of the 10-page limit.
The anticipated period of performance for this consultancy is 65 man-days spread over six months (February 2024 to July 2024).
The individual consultant shall be selected based on procedures defined in the Procurement Guidelines of FARA.
Interested consultants may obtain further information from the Knowledge Management, Learning and Communications Cluster Leader,Benjamin Abugri[[email protected]], and copy the Procurement Expert, Mr. Callistus Achaab [[email protected]], during the following hours: 9h00 to 16h00 GMT.
Please download the Terms of Reference below, for further information on this opportunity.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted electronically to [[email protected]] and addressed to Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, No 7 Flower Avenue, New Achimota, Mile 7, Accra, Ghana, no later than Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 16h00 GMT. Tel: +233 302 772823/744888.
FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Recruitment: there is no discrimination based on gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability, or health status.
A consortium of three German research and implementation-oriented projects has begun developing a blueprint for Sustainable Land Management (SLM) covering all its dimensions regarding ecological, economic, and social aspects, especially gender equity. In Northern Ghana, two workshops were held at the Tamale campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) from November 15 to 23, 2023.
Participants during the INTERFACES, COINS and DECLARE projects meetings at the UDS Campus in Tamale, Ghana
Group Picture of stakeholders during the first meeting
The projects aim to address long-standing challenges within the sector on land use and ownership by strengthening the weak interaction between Science, Policy, and Practice. These initial workshops sought to establish a participatory learning platform for joint learning and exchange and develop a gender-responsive theory of change for sustainable land management. As an accompanying project, INTERFACES will focus on supporting the social dimensions of SLM, especially gender of the COINS and DecLaRe projects, which are being rolled out in the Northern and Savannah Regions as well as in other parts of Benin and Senegal.
First Two-Day Workshop With The COINS And DECLARE Projects at UDS Campus, Tamale
In her introductory remarks, the Project Lead of INTERFACES and Senior Scientist at the Center for Development Research (ZEF) University of Bonn, Dr. Tina Beuchelt, highlighted the need to enhance the fusion of research, policymakers and implementers. Acknowledging the historically low adoption rates, the INTERFACES team initiated a workshop to develop a Gender Responsive Theory of Change for Sustainable Land Management and establish a Participatory Learning Platform to strengthen adoption.
Dr. Tina Beuchelt, Project Lead of INTERFACES and Senior Scientist at the Center for Development Research (ZEF) University of Bonn.
This collaborative approach will strengthen the implementation of research results and contribute to developing effective land management strategies.
“That’s why we thought we must engage with you, the local stakeholders who are the key experts in this area. She added, “Start discussions, learn about your experience, exchange our experiences, and get your feedback”.
Envisioning sustainable land management, Dr. Peter Asare-Nuamah, a Senior Researcher of the INTERFACES project, described it as empowering farmers to optimise land use, enhancing crop yields, generating social benefits for women and men, increasing income, and conserving the environment without causing pollution or degradation.
Dr. Peter Asare-Nuamah, Senior Researcher, INTERFACES, ZEF, University of Bonn
To achieve this goal, INTERFACES aims to incorporate various stakeholders’ diverse perspectives and priorities in an inclusive approach, ensuring that everyone has a meaningful role to play in shaping a sustainable future for land management. This becomes a vehicle to achieve sustainable land management. Dr. David Anaafo, a Senior Researcher with WASCAL, describes this as being “timeless, taking into consideration the needs of our present and future generations”.
Dr. David Anaafo, Senior Researcher, WASCAL and INTERFACES
On the part of FARA, Mr. Benjamin Abugri, the Knowledge Management and Communications Specialist, highlighted the role and commitment of its organisation in ensuring that the projects’ results are mainstreamed and sustained within its knowledge services and tools for the more significant learning benefit for not just the project beneficiary countries but the entire African continent.
Mr. Benjamin Abugri, Knowledge Management, Learning and Communications Cluster Leader & INTERFACES Project Coordinator at FARA
Stakeholders highlighted conflict, urbanisation, weak legal frameworks, climate change and soil degradation, unregistered lands, changing land tenure systems and difficulties for women to access land, labour, and inputs, among others, as some of the critical areas affecting sustainable land management.
From the left, the ‘Women’ Chief of Zabzugu Traditional Area, Yelzoli Gaa-Naa, Hawawu A Salifu, in the middle, Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Gukpegu (Tamale) and Kpalung Zobogu Naa, Mohamed Rashad Abdulai and INTERFACES Project Lead Dr. Tina Beuchelt
Role of Traditional Authorities
The workshop explored options for actualising a fair distribution of land among men and women in the Northern region, as currently, according to participants at the workshop, women are highly disadvantaged in accessing land. Their main access is via their husbands, and they often only get small pieces of land to farm and the most marginal, least fertile plot. Increasing land scarcity, the pressure of investors, and the lack of documentation were identified as a few of the many issues, drivers and barriers to enable SLM. Present at the meeting was the Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Gukpegu (Tamale), who doubles as the Kpalung Zobogu Naa, Mohamed Rashad Abdulai.
Additionally, the ‘Women’ Chief of Zabzugu Traditional Area, who doubles as the Yelzoli Gaa-Naa, Hawawu A Salifu, was in attendance.
The Kpalung Zobogu Naa, Mohamed Rashad Abdulai, drawing reference from his position as the Secretary of one of the largest land secretariats in the Northern region, said “when you come to the data, there are multiple women having acres of land, so what it means is that you don’t need to carry your husband to the chief. Just meet with the elders who will lead you to the chief, and you’ll be granted access”.
On adopting the proposed approaches, he stated, “let’s start with the communication. When we are going to communicate, we must communicate in a cordial manner that will make people listen to us. Still, if we radicalise it, it won’t move a centimetre”. Yelzoli Gaa-Naa, Hawawu A. Salifu called for increased education to lease land instead of selling it, noting that in the near future “it will be difficult for natives to have land for farming”.
Promoting gender-responsive sustainable land management is essential as Dr. Constance Akurugu, a Senior Lecturer at the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, believes that within the Northern region, “women are often seen as soon to leave members of their natal families, and when they finally arrive in the marital family they are often seen as, strangers and all closely tied to this or within the context of this women rarely have ownership to productive land.”
Therefore, with a call on traditional leaders and stakeholders to overcome the barriers, policymakers must “take initiatives that will lead to entering into a memorandum of understanding with landowners, heads of families and chiefs to ensure that once an agreement is entered into for women to have access to land, they can have access to the land to use for the period” she added.
Abdul Mateen Alhassan, a former Northern Regional Focal Person for the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, bemoaned farmers’ difficulty accessing funding and described the workshop as timely.
Some of the participants at the stakeholders INTERFACES, COINS and DECLARE meeting in Tamale
He explained that “even though land is not a problem in the Northern Region, financial institutions always demand a guarantee, but the fact that people are not registered with lands as their own and to say it is a borrowed one sometimes institutions find it difficult to understand and accept it as a collateral to grant farmers fund”.
Alhaji Alhassan, a farmer in Tolon explaining the practice of Integrated Soil Fertility Management at his farm to researchers of the INTERFACES, COINS and DECLARE projects
Field Visits to Tolon (Northern Region) and Busunu (Savannah Region)
CSIR-SARI’s Integrated Soil Fertility Management Intervention in Tolon District, also working with COINS living lab intervention
The first field visit on November 17 to the northwestern part of the Northern Region showcased the success rate of the Integrated Soil Fertility Management Intervention on Alhaji Alhassan’s farm who Agrometeorologist at CSIR-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute, Dr. Alhassan Lansah Abdulai describes as an “early adopter who integrated soil fertility management; and crop rotation as an integral part of their farming”.
Beginning in 2011, Dr. Abdulai applauded his consistency, noting that “he is a serious soybean, maise, sorghum and groundnut farmer who has practised crop rotation to the latter”.
Alhassan recounted that with old farm practices, they “used to suffer a lot in order to get more yields to feed our families, but with the new technologies, we put in less effort to get more yields.”
Testifying about the impact of research and extension officers, “What we get from 1 acre is equivalent to what we used to get from about 10 acres under the old system. For instance, I thought I had cultivated one acre for 2023 with my sorghum, but it was a little over one acre when we used the GPS. Despite losing about 2 bags of sorghum to post-harvest losses, I’ve got 13 bags of the 100 kg bag, but under the old system, you could cultivate large acreage and get only 6 bags. It has reduced our drudgery and cost of farming.”
For knowledge transfer among farmers, Dr. Abdulai highlights a farmer exchange program “so during the season, we will bring the other farmers here and send the other people there so that they will offer farmer-to-farmer advice”.
Farmers and Researchers discussing the outcome of the application of the microdosing innovation at a farm at Busunu in the Savanna Region of Ghana
Exploring a DecLaRe’s Project intervention and Greenhouse Farm in Busunu in the Savanna Region of Ghana
A field visit to the neighbouring Savanna Region on November 19 made a first stop at a greenhouse farm called Sadevco Gh in Busunu. The Farm Manager, Frederick Tetteh Pechi-Anim, welcomed and shared its vegetable production techniques of “different variety of vegetables; beefsteak tomato, cherry tomato, bell pepper, hot pepper, lettuce and Mediterranean cucumbers.”
Sharing some challenges in selling its produce, Mr Pechi-Anim explained that potential customers misinterpreted their farm as a GMO producer and were hesitant to patronise it. Due to cultural and other informational gaps, GMOs are still not accepted in northern
Ghana and not promoted by the government of Ghana. However, public sensitisation at the individual level helped to integrate the market while recording a higher sale to expatriates who visit the region or farm.
Field Coordinator for DecLaRe Project in Busunu, Dr. Deogratias Kofi Agbotui, showed the team the DecLaRe weather station positioned in Sadevco Ltd for its research. The device comprises a rain gauge and a temperature and light intensity gauge. He explained that the device helps in prediction modelling, and the data is shared with SADEVCO Ltd.
Dr. Deogratias Kofi Agbotui, Field Coordinator, DECLARE Project (right) and Mr Pechi-Anim, Manager of the SADEVCO Farm at Busunu in the Savanna Region of Ghana
The team continued to Yussif Bofoji Tanko’s farm, testing the micro-dosing interventions promoted by the DecLaRe Project. Mr. Tanko cultivates maise, ground nuts, cashews, bambara beans and rarely cassava. Recounting the importance of the intervention, he explained that the crops yielded better than those not under the experiment. Since this is his first year and he just harvested, he has yet to provide actual figures of yield difference. He lamented the cattle invasion on their farms and irregular rainfall pattern on the maise production, stating that “this year the rains were too much, which destroyed crops, and we also didn’t apply fertiliser”.
Later, the team visited another farmer, Ms. Zainab, who resides in Busunu. As a female farmer, she got her land from a share of her husband’s land solely for agriculture. She confirmed earlier submissions at the workshop that women face many challenges when farming. Her husband allocated six acres of land, which she used: “three acres for corn and three acres for okra. “I had four bags of maise and a bag of okra, and I am happy about the outcome of my harvest. This year, I’m done and waiting for the next planting season, whether I will get land or not.”
Second Two-Day Workshop on COINS and DECLARE Innovations
The second phase of the workshop was held on 22nd and 23rd November at UDS Tamale Campus to assess and forecast the economic, social and environmental impact of innovations by COINS and DECLARE in the Northern and Savannah Regions of Ghana.
Employing the ‘Decision Analysis Approach’, Dorcas Sanginga Alame, a PhD candidate pursuing Horticultural Science at the University of Bonn, says participant feedback helps to “forecast the impact of specific innovations of the regional project which INTERFACES is targeting in Northern Ghana”.
Miss Alame explained that the COINS project focuses on developing “sustainable intensification [solutions] by increasing productivity without taking up new lands” and works with Integrated Soil Fertility Management as one of the suggested innovations. The DECLARE project harbours two innovations, thus ‘micro-dosing to “increase productivity”.
For effective participation, participants first exchanged their ideas with their table neighbours, where men and women were grouped separately, and then experiences and ideas were consolidated. The women’s and men’s perspectives complemented each other. The discussions reviewed the benefits, costs, risks/barriers, challenges, and enabling factors for the selected innovations.
Perceived benefits of the COINS Integrated Soil Fertility Management
Among the list of its benefits labelled were increased crop yield, food security, improved income, economic empowerment, low cost of production, high income, high and sustainable productivity, marketability of products, etc.
An officer at the Northern Regional Women in Agricultural Development Directorate, Salatu Abubakar, reiterating the impact of one farming season in the North, posited that when a woman can reduce the cost of production coupled with an increase in yield then “as a woman with a small parcel of land you can get more income and you can leverage on other levels of income generation activities”.
An officer at the Northern Regional Department of Gender, Ms Bushira, highlighted the role of women in the agricultural value chain; hence, an increase in yield will mean that women who don’t farm “will like to take those yields to do processing so, in that case, it is also creating jobs for them, and they are also being economically empowered together with those who will market those products.”
Additionally, it was discussed that increased yield doesn’t necessarily translate to higher income, citing the paradox of bumper harvest where “everyone harvests and the price comes down at the end of the day you might not get higher income”.
Dr Theodore Asimeng, Senior Researcher at the German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and the INTERFACES Project facilitating a session on ISFM during the workshop
Hence, other factors, such as price regulation and improved road networks, amongst others, should be considered. In the workshop, intense, longer discussions and exchanges followed on associated costs, risks and enabling factors. Again, the problem of access to land and the challenges women face in agriculture in adopting new practices emerged. One key aspect related to cultural norms and practices that disadvantage and marginalise women in agriculture, in addition to gender-based violence as a means to control women and their farm activities.
The Microdosing Approach of the DECLARE Project
The general concept of microdosing is to reduce the application of fertilisers by exactly placing fertiliser close to the plants. While some microdosing variants propose applying wall fertilisation in that form, the DECLARE variant only applies a microdose at the beginning of the season to young plants to give them a good start. While recognising the importance of the micro-dosing intervention, the workshop participants called for the intervention to be contextualised within the current farming systems and practices of farmers in the project communities, which is essential to aid in acceptance and adoption.
Conclusion
Stakeholders underscored the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to achieving food security, maintaining ecological integrity, ensuring equitable access to resources and productive lands, and implementing effective conflict resolution mechanisms. While pointing out many benefits of agricultural innovations, the many challenges attached to successfully implementing innovations and achieving higher yields, especially under climate change, became very clear.
Among the propositions for enabling mechanisms were, for example, demonstration plots/training platforms, farmer-to-farmer exchange, availability and timeliness of inputs, bridging finance solutions, sustainable prices and more conducive policies. The recommendations included formulating a comprehensive land-use plan, formalising land tenancy, implementing a land titling system that ensures access to land for women and other marginalised groups, and rigorously enforcing laws and policies. Further suggestions were to work with traditional authorities to change local norms and support activities like introducing the Gender Model Family (GMF) concept, a training programme developed to involve community members and families to live equitably and justly.
These measures, they believed, would create a conducive environment for sustainable land management and address some of the underlying challenges hindering progress in this crucial sector.
Group Picture of stakeholders during the second meeting
About the INTERFACES and the Four Regional Projects
