Climate Change Advisors Ghana's Indigenous Knowledge Project Transforms Agriculture and Livelihoods

Dr. Ofori addressing the media

In an effort to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change, Climate Change Advisors Ghana (CCAG), a not-for-profit organization, is pioneering a groundbreaking project titled "Mobilizing Community Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience in Ghana." Dr. Samuel Ayeh Ofori, Director of Programmes and Research for CCAG, emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge as "traditional science" that local communities use to improve their livelihoods. 

Local farmers in Ghana have been grappling with multiple challenges brought about by climate change, including soil erosion due to heavy downpours, nutrient depletion, and increased pest infestations. To address these issues, CCAG introduced innovative interventions, such as the use of local manure to enhance soil fertility and the implementation of integrated pest management techniques.

CCAG visits local farmers

What sets CCAG's approach apart is its "participatory rural approach," which engages a wide spectrum of community members, including opinion leaders, youth groups, marginalized women, and men. This approach fosters commitment, participation, ownership, and adoption of the strategies introduced by CCAG.

The results of this project have been truly transformative for local farmers. It has led to increased crop yields, improved livestock growth rates, enhanced income levels, greater food security, and the development of sustainable livelihoods for the communities involved.

Currently, the project has impacted 300 local farmers across nine communities in the Cape Coast North District in the Central Region of Ghana. CCAG is now extending the project to two additional municipalities, Mfantseman and Agona East District, with the aim of reaching 3,000 people within these areas.

However, the sustainability of this vital initiative is at risk, as it has been solely supported by the founders of CCAG. Dr. Samuel Ayeh Ofori passionately appealed to the international community for long-term financing and support, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of rural farming communities in Africa to the effects of climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions.

Several local farmers shared their experiences with the project:

Mr. Ahmed speaks on CCAG's intervention

Nasir Ahmed expressed his gratitude for the training sessions and knowledge provided by CCAG, emphasizing the positive changes they are witnessing. He further described the disruptions in planting seasons caused by unpredictable weather patterns and the challenges they bring to farmers. Mr. Ahmed offered his heartfelt thanks to CCAG and appealed to the government and donor agencies for support, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge they have provided.

Efia Wiredu noted the shifts in farming practices due to changing land fertility and increased pest pressures. She highlighted how CCAG's training has been instrumental in helping them adapt to these challenges.

Kwame Mensah showcased the work he has accomplished with CCAG's support.

Adowa Haleema shed light on the challenges faced by farmers due to climate change and expressed her hope for continued government and NGO support to sustain the work started by CCAG.

Egya Kojo Alhassan credited CCAG's advice for eliminating harmful farming practices like burning fields before planting.

Ekow Issah described how CCAG helped farmers adapt to changing planting seasons and improve their understanding of soil nutrients and fertilizer use.

The inspiring work of CCAG in empowering local communities to combat the effects of climate change underscores the need for ongoing financial support to ensure the sustainability of their initiatives and the continued success of Ghana's resilient farming communities.

Use the link below to watch the full documentary.

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A Desperate Plea: Life-Threatening Condition Struggles of Basic 7 Pupil at Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School

Collins Entsir

Collins Entsir, a 15-year-old pupil of Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School in the Ekumfi District of Ghana, has spent over a decade grappling with a life-threatening condition that remains shrouded in mystery. His eyes have transformed from their natural state to a deep yellowish hue, and his once-robust physique now conceals a protruding stomach. The condition has cast a shadow over his academic potential, leaving him struggling in his studies.

From the age of one, Collins' mother, Madam Halima Esi Tawiah, noticed an unsettling change in her son's appearance, a change that would lead her to seek medical attention and even explore traditional remedies. At one point, he was diagnosed with anemia, and a regimen of medication was prescribed. Yet, the improvement was minimal, and the family's anguish persisted.

It was only when a local remedy, derived from boiling the scales of herrings, was introduced that they observed any significant change. Despite their limited financial means, the family managed to obtain a health insurance card to ease the burden of medical bills. Collins' parents, Mr. Paul Wisdom Nkyi and Madam Halima, are dedicated to their son's care, but the weight of their circumstances often leads others to mistakenly perceive them as negligent.

Collins faces not only physical challenges but also the emotional burden of being different from his peers. His relatives, teachers, and even a former headteacher of his school, Mr. Malik Amosa Mensah, have all rallied to support the family find a lasting remedy for young Collins. Nonetheless, the financial constraints they face persist.

Collins Entsir carries a heavy burden of embarrassment due to his situation. He earnestly appeals to the global community for assistance in obtaining a precise diagnosis of his condition and charting a path forward to recovery. His desperate plea echoes the world over: "I want to look like my colleagues," he tearfully implores. This heartfelt cry extends beyond the physical transformation he desires; it is a call for help, an appeal to lift him from the shadow of stigma. It is a plea to restore not only his appearance but also his hope.

Five months ago, Collins sustained a seemingly minor wound on his right foot. Unbelievably, the wound remains unhealed, underscoring the gravity of his condition. Collins' malnourished appearance serves as a testament to the physical toll his condition has taken.

Madam Esi Tawiah joins her son's plea, her voice laden with emotion. "The government, NGOs, individuals, and all who can make a difference, please come to our aid," she implores.

As Collins' hope hangs in the balance, he endures the agony of an unidentified condition that challenges his very existence. This is a story of resilience and the enduring human spirit, a reminder that every life deserves a chance to flourish, no matter the obstacles it faces.

In the midst of this heart-wrenching struggle, Madam Esi Tawiah and Mr. Paul Wisdom Nkyi find solace in a quote that resonates with their relentless determination: "In the darkest hour, the power of a family's love can illuminate the path to hope and healing." They know that their love for Collins will guide them through the darkest times.

Collins' life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering power of hope in the face of adversity.