Bogyampa: Some farmers in Bogyampa, located in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region, have received start-up materials and financial backing through the Climate Change Awareness and Livelihood Empowerment Project. This initiative has come at a crucial time as climate change continues to impact agricultural productivity in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, nine farmers were selected to benefit from this support after participating in a refresher course and training in various employable skills, including bead and traditional jewelry making, as well as liquid soap and detergent production. The project, led by Mr. Peter Kwame, is supported by the Global Greengrant Fund (GGF) and aims to bolster the resilience of farming households facing diminished crop yields due to climate change.
At a ceremony held in the farming community of Bogyampa, Mr. Kwame highlighted the importance of diversifying income sources to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on farmers' livelihoods. He noted that approximately a year ago, more than 200 farmers, primarily women, underwent initial sensitization and skills training. From this group, 20 individuals committed to pursuing vocational skills, and the first batch of nine beneficiaries is now receiving start-up support to establish their businesses.
Mr. Kwame urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to their newly acquired trades, emphasizing the need for financial discipline to sustain and expand their enterprises. He also advised them to adopt saving habits and reinvest their earnings to grow their economic activities.
Miss Lucy Annor, the Coordinator of the Tano Women Empowerment and Development Association, praised the beneficiaries' dedication to the program. She noted that the refresher course demonstrated the participants' understanding and effective application of the skills taught, which is crucial given the ongoing changes in rainfall patterns affecting agriculture in the region.
Beneficiaries like Madam Mary Dade and Emmanuel Kyei shared their optimism about the future, expressing hopes of establishing profitable businesses to support their families. They emphasized the importance of vocational skills training as a path to economic security and self-reliance, especially during times of poor agricultural output.