Nabdam: World Vision Ghana (WVG) has launched a regreening and land restoration project in the Nabdam District aimed at restoring 1,500 hectares of degraded land and improving climate resilience among farming communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the intervention, known as the 'Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Heritage Project,' is funded by the European Union under the Sustainable Forest and Cocoa Programme through the European Forest Institute. The project will be implemented by World Vision Ghana and the Centre for Community Development Initiatives (CODI) and is expected to benefit over 10,000 people, particularly targeting women, youth, and vulnerable groups across the district.
Speaking at the launch in Nangodi, Mr. Joshua Richard Baidoo, Strategy and Integrated Programme Director at World Vision Ghana, stated that the project aims to restore degraded landscapes, strengthen livelihoods, and safeguard the future of children and farming households. He highlighted the challenges faced by communities in northern Ghana, including land degradation, erratic rainfall, declining crop yields, and food insecurity, asserting that the FMNR approach provides a practical and cost-effective solution to these issues.
Mr. Baidoo explained that the FMNR approach empowers farmers to nurture naturally occurring tree stumps and roots, allowing for vegetation restoration without the need for expensive tree plantation systems. He added that the initiative would help revive soil fertility, improve biodiversity, increase crop yields, and provide shade and fodder for livestock, all while strengthening community resilience against climate shocks. "The project is not just about trees. It is about restoring the environment, reviving traditional knowledge, and building resilient communities," he emphasized.
Mr. Jonas Bugre, FMNR Heritage Project Manager at World Vision Ghana, noted the urgent need for environmental restoration due to changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and destructive windstorms in the Upper East Region. He pointed out that FMNR offers a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to conventional tree planting because it relies on nurturing naturally existing shrubs and tree stumps, which boast almost a 100 percent survival rate.
Mr. Elvis Kudaar, an official from the European Forest Institute, stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts under the Sustainable Forest and Cocoa Programme to restore degraded lands and strengthen environmental governance in Ghana. The programme aims to restore at least 5,000 hectares of land and benefit more than 20,000 farmers nationwide within the next 24 months. Mr. Kudaar commended World Vision Ghana for utilizing its experience in FMNR implementation in northern Ghana and emphasized the need for strong stakeholder collaboration for long-term success.
Mr. Julius Agolisi, Project Manager for CODI, described FMNR as a proven, practical, and cost-effective solution that restores degraded lands, improves food security, protects biodiversity, and strengthens livelihoods. He stressed the importance of projects like these in the context of climate change, land degradation, and economic challenges threatening rural communities.
Mr. Francis Yenwona Tobig, Nabdam District Chief Executive, described the project as a significant step toward restoring livelihoods and ensuring sustainable development in the district. He pledged the Assembly's support and urged community members to embrace the initiative to secure fertile lands and sustainable livelihoods for future generations. Naab Bileehsong La'anwont Namong, Chief of Kotintaabig, also commended World Vision Ghana and its partners for the project and pledged the community's support in restoring degraded lands and livelihoods.