Kpeve: The Agriculture Department, in collaboration with the Health Directorate in Kpeve in the South Dayi District, organised a one-day training programme for farmer groups focusing on post-harvest management, maternal and child health, and nutrition. The initiative aimed to improve household livelihoods and wellbeing through enhanced agricultural practices and health awareness.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme was sponsored by the Women and Children Network Development Foundation (WCNDF). It equipped farmers with knowledge on good agricultural practices while advocating for the production and consumption of nutritious foods to promote family health and income generation.
Rev Akusika, Chief Executive Officer of WCNDF, and Dr Peter Bonsi, Project Coordinator, welcomed participants and resource persons. They stressed the importance of collaboration between agriculture and health sectors to tackle challenges affecting women and children in the district.
They emphasized that improving agricultural productivity and nutrition outcomes is crucial for combating malnutrition and ensuring sustainable community development. Mr Nusianu Avedzida, South Dayi District Director of Agriculture, encouraged farmers to adopt improved farming methods and climate-smart agricultural practices to boost productivity and reduce losses.
'Farmers must embrace modern farming practices and work together through cooperatives and farmer groups to benefit from government and district support programmes,' he stated.
Mr Jonas Timbire Kolog, South Dayi District Health Director, highlighted the indispensable role of health and agriculture in community development and expressed concern over maternal anaemia cases recorded in the district. He reported that in 2025, out of 1,914 pregnant women recorded, 214 were diagnosed with anaemia. Additionally, cases of low birth weight were noted among 1,624 live births.
He urged participants to prioritise proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood to mitigate maternal and child health complications.
Resource persons guided participants through presentations on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), post-harvest management, maternal and reproductive health, child health issues in Ghana, nutritional challenges, and the role of individuals and communities in addressing malnutrition.
Mr Carl Azumah instructed on proper drying, storage, and handling of farm produce to minimise post-harvest losses, while Elikplim Banini discussed antenatal care, family planning, and safe motherhood practices.
Mr Gideon Norvor, a nurse officer, highlighted common childhood illnesses, immunisation, and the significance of early treatment seeking, while Madam Beatrice Debe, a nutritionist, encouraged the use of locally available foods and dietary diversity to prevent malnutrition.
The team underscored the shared responsibility of individuals, communities, and stakeholders in sustaining nutrition improvement efforts through community-led initiatives and behavioural change.
Participants expressed appreciation for the programme, acknowledging that the training had deepened their understanding of the interconnection between agriculture, nutrition, and health. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to enhance household wellbeing.