In a move to promote sustainable agriculture and improve the livelihoods of local farmers, Sahakco Enterprises Africa Ltd, a leader in agricultural commodity trading, has donated over 500 pairs of wellington boots to organic soybean farmers across the Nanton, Savelugu and Kumbungu Districts of Northern Ghana. The initiative, which targeted farmers in communities such as Disiga, Nyolugu, Zokugu, Tampion Looni, Digu, Tinkurugu, Zangbalun, Yemokariga, and Moglaa, aims to reinforce good agricultural practices (GAP) while supporting the growth of organic soybean farming in the region.
Staff of Sahakco Enterprises Africa Ltd with beneficiary Farmers in Disiga.
Led by Project Manager Miss Anatu Ahmed, the donation underscores Sahakco’s Enterprises Africa Ltd commitment to the advancement of organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Speaking at the event, Miss Ahmed highlighted the importance of empowering women in farming, calling on community leaders, husbands, and family heads to allocate portions of farmland to women. She emphasized that such an initiative would not only empower women economically but also help to alleviate the financial pressures on men in farming households.
Miss Anatu presenting wellington boots to a dedicated farmer at Gushee.
Beneficiary farmers expressed overwhelming gratitude for the donation. Sulemana Maahi, Farmer Lead for the Gushei area, thanked Sahakco Enterprises Africa Ltd for their support and urged his fellow farmers to make full use of the boots to make their farming tasks easier. He noted that proper gear is crucial for safety and productivity, and the wellington boots would significantly enhance their ability to work under challenging conditions.
Miss Anatu presenting boots do a dedicated Farmer in Disiga (From Left, Miss Anatu Ahmed, Mr Abdulai Zakaria, and Mr. Fuseini Adam)
Mrs Ayishetu, a farmer in Disiga, expressed her excitement and appreciation for the donation. She applauded Sahakco Enterprises Africa Ltd for its continued commitment to promoting women’s participation in agriculture, highlighting that the boots would not only protect her during fieldwork but also make her farming activities more efficient and less strenuous.
Zakaria Osman presenting boots to a female farmer in Disiga (From Left, Zakaria Osman, Fuseini Ayishetu and Fuseini Yakubu)
While expressing their gratitude, the farmers also appealed for increased support, particularly at the start of the farming season and during harvest. They called on Sahakco to consider providing more resources, including access to essential farming inputs and tools, and to assist in the procurement of their organic produce after harvest. These appeals reflect the ongoing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing inputs and markets, and the vital role that organizations like Sahakco Enterprises Africa Ltd play in addressing these needs.
In response to the farmers’ requests, Project Manager Miss Anatu Ahmed assured the beneficiaries of Sahakco Enterprises Africa Ltd’s strong commitment to supporting local farmers throughout the entire farming cycle. She acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to finding solutions to the challenges the farmers face, particularly in securing a reliable market for their organic produce and providing additional support during critical phases of the farming season.
A group photograph with Sahakco Farmers at Gushei
As part of the donation, farmers received training on Good Organic Farm Management Practices and GAP. Field Officers Mr. Issifu Alhassan and Mr. Adam Fuseini educated farmers on the importance of managing organic farms to prevent contamination, both in the field and during post-harvest activities. The officers shared practical advice on maintaining organic standards, reinforcing the importance of adhering to environmentally-friendly farming methods to protect the integrity of the produce.
Field Officer Issifu Alhassan educating Farmers on Good Organic Farm Management.
Project Officer Zakaria Osman also took the opportunity to encourage farmers to avoid the use of harmful chemicals, stressing their negative impact on the environment, biodiversity, and human health. He pointed out that many modern agricultural practices, particularly the overuse of synthetic chemicals, contribute to the rise of chronic diseases due to the consumption of unsafe food. Mr. Osman urged farmers to be vigilant about the seeds they use, cautioning against purchasing seeds from the market, especially those that may be genetically modified (GMO). He encouraged farmers to preserve seeds from each harvest to ensure that they maintain organic integrity and reduce their dependency on external seed sources.
Zakaria Osman educating farmers on Good Agricultural Practices
This initiative marks an important step in promoting organic soybean farming in Northern Ghana, where many farmers rely on traditional practices. Sahakco Enterprises Africa Ltd’s efforts to educate and equip farmers align with the broader goal of fostering a more sustainable agricultural sector that prioritizes food safety, environmental conservation, and the economic empowerment of rural communities.
By supporting the shift toward organic farming, Sahakco Enterprises is helping to build a resilient agricultural economy that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment. The company’s efforts are expected to inspire other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to contribute to the promotion of sustainable farming practices across Ghana.