Urbanet, a social impact organization, has presented 25 bicycles valued at GH¢25,000 to 25 Female Extension Agents (FEVs) under the Northern Ghana Integrated Development Project (NGIDP) in the Gushegu Municipality.
Related Articles
The FEVs will work alongside Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) to improve Agricultural Extension Services for women farmers in the Gushegu Municipality of the Northern Region.
The beneficiary communities, including Wantugu, Gbagu, Kpaatili, Gbambu, Nyensung, Kpana Yapala, Laligu, Zanteli, Zamashegu, Pulo, Pumo, Lunlua, Damdaboli, Yishie, Jinwoo, Prinkpamo, Yawungu, Bulgu, Naawuni, and Kpugi, will benefit from this initiative.
The NGIDP aims to reduce rural poverty through economic development, sustainable agricultural practices, and improved access to social protection in Gushegu Municipal, as well as Mion, Central Gonja, and Kpandai Districts.
During the ceremony held in Gushegu to present the bicycles to the beneficiaries, Mr Yaja Robert Dawuni, the Gushegu Municipal Chief Executive, expressed gratitude to Urbanet, ActionAid, and Tree Aid for their support.
He emphasized that the bicycles would facilitate farm monitoring and help identify challenges faced by farmers, allowing for timely solutions.
The event was organized by Urbanet in collaboration with ActionAid and Tree Aid, with financial support from the European Union.
Mr Dawuni highlighted that the bicycles were intended to support the efforts of AEAs and encourage farmers to achieve higher crop yields. He urged the beneficiary communities to focus on addressing issues affecting crop yields, such as diseases, pests, and rodents.
Mr Iddrisu Adam, the Project Coordinator of Urbanet, emphasized the importance of agricultural Extension Services in increasing productivity, incomes, and food security.
He noted that women farmers often face challenges in accessing timely extension services, with an average ratio of AEAs to farmers in the country being 1:1,850, far from the Food and Agriculture Organization's recommendation of 1:500.
To address this imbalance, the NGIDP established the FEVs, who received training and certification to provide agricultural extension services to fellow farmers.
Braimah Mieli, a group leader from Zanteli, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanking Urbanet for the bicycles. He acknowledged the practical uses of the bicycles, not only for agricultural purposes but also for running errands between villages, going to markets, and attending social gatherings.
