Author: UNDP
Site of publication: UNDP
Type of publication: News and Press Release
Date of publication: 2023
Inclusive sustainable farming
The African continent contributes the least to climate change, yet it is the most vulnerable to its impacts. By 2030, up to 118 million Africans living below the poverty line (living on less than US$ 1.90/day) could be exposed to drought, floods and extreme heat, if climate change responses are not put in place. The situation becomes even more acute for persons with disabilities, who bear a disproportionate burden of climate change impacts.
This is primarily because most persons with disabilities experience poverty as a result of societal barriers imposed upon them. The UN Human Rights Council found that poverty, stigma and discrimination further expose persons with disabilities to the adverse consequences of climate change.
How many benefits can a plot of land and irrigation bring?
Currently, 250 individuals with disabilities from the Banda District in Ghana visit the farm daily, cultivating diverse crops, such as peppers, onions, and tomatoes, which have short growing periods and favorable market prices. For persons with limited mobility, provisions have been made for them to rear animals like goats, sheep, and fowl at home, enabling them to establish reliable sources of food and generate income by selling produce.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has provided training sessions, equipping the farmers with a range of techniques, including the production of organic compost for, using neem tree as a natural pesticide, and creating fertilizer for sale. Several organizations have placed orders for thousands of saplings to support restoration projects, injecting additional funds into the farm. To facilitate transportation of produce to the market, the community shares two motorbikes.
The initiative has been so successful that a communal fund now pools together small amounts of money which is loaned to a member at a low-interest rate every few months. This steady source of income has expanded the educational horizons of the members.
Preparing for the future
The farmers want their success to spread across Ghana, using their branch as a self-sustaining example for replication. Even within their district, anything less than complete inclusion is not an option, “We want to expand this initiative from 250 to all 670 persons with disabilities in the district. We want total inclusion,” Mr. Kumi stated. In the future, there is hope for increased donor support to establish aquaponics, diversifying their income further.
This project exemplifies how providing modest support to persons with disabilities and their representative organizations can yield profound effects for entire communities. The positive outcomes are evident in Ghana. There are more resources available for investment, food production has increased, a communal fund assists community members with significant purchases, young people have access to educational opportunities, and, most importantly, a greater sense of equality prevails – all achieved in an environmentally sustainable manner.