Smallholder farmers sensitised on climate change and water management

By Samuel SAM

Smallholder farmers in the Dabogshei community in the Sagnarigu Municipality have been educated on the impacts of climate change and water scarcity through a visual-based sensitisation programme aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

The initiative, spearheaded by Foto4Change in collaboration with ActionAid Ghana, utilised powerful photography and storytelling to illustrate the effects of water scarcity and climate change on communities across the Northern Region and the country at large.

Held with the aim of discouraging environmentally harmful practices such as deforestation, bush burning and overgrazing, the event sought to enhance farmers’ understanding of climate-resilient agriculture and the link between sustainable land use and food security.

Foto4Change, a multimedia advocacy platform, uses visuals to drive social impact. Through this project, it aims to educate the public on water crisis and climate change by showcasing compelling images that highlight the need for conservation.

In her remarks, Alia Mumuni, Project Officer at ActionAid Ghana, emphasised the significance of using visual tools to communicate real issues affecting farming communities.

“The visuals help convey the realities on the ground and also preserve lessons for future generations,” she said. She encouraged the adoption of drought-resilient practices, including composting and organic manure, and called for gender-responsive agricultural policies to support female farmers.

She further urged the government to take swift action to address poverty among smallholder farmers and strengthen agricultural research institutions to develop drought-resistant, high-yielding crop varieties.

Agricultural officer Godwin Azure noted that persistent bush burning is deteriorating soil quality and adversely impacting crop production. He, however, expressed optimism that the sensitisation programme would deter such harmful practices and promote the use of appropriate agrochemicals to improve yields.

Stakeholders at the event advocated for policies promoting reforestation, afforestation and agroforestry to sequester carbon dioxide and reduce climate impacts. They stressed that “effective policy implementation is crucial in addressing climate change and water scarcity”.

Mohammed Rukaya, a member of the Young Urban Women Movement, called for greater inclusion of women in policy-making processes to ensure equity and opportunity.

She also underscored the importance of sustained public awareness to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and water scarcity on both domestic and commercial livelihoods.

Hamdan W. Amadu, Regional Secretary of Acivista, praised the initiative, highlighting its role in driving behavioural change and economic resilience within farming communities.

Geoffrey Buta, Team Lead of Foto4Change, said the visual approach helps community members better understand the realities affecting their livelihoods. “We are a team of visual storytellers using cameras as tools for advocacy, career development and giving a voice to the voiceless,” he said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote climate justice and sustainable development in Ghana’s vulnerable rural communities.

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