ReDIAL Project Promotes Use of Compost Fertilizer Among Farmers in Ghana

Accra – Mr. Daniel Kofi Abu, Project Coordinator of Tropenbos Ghana, a non-governmental organization, is advocating for farmers to adopt organic compost fertilizers. His call is part of an initiative to enhance soil fertility and crop yields while mitigating the health risks associated with chemical fertilizers.

According to Ghana News Agency, during a European Union-funded ReDIAL project training workshop in the Wiawso municipality of the Western North Region, Mr. Abu emphasized the benefits of compost fertilizer. The workshop, attended by selected farmers and farmer groups, is part of a broader project implemented by Friends of the Nation, Tropenbos Ghana, Say Tech company, Sessi company, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. This initiative aims to support women farmer groups, PWD farmers, and smallholder farmers.

Given the current global cost of fertilizer, Mr. Abu highlighted the importance of training farmers to produce their own organic fertilizer. He noted that the raw materials required for compost fertilizer are readily available and affordable in the country. Moreover, he asserted that organic fertilizer is superior to chemical fertilizers, which are not only expensive but also contribute to soil fertility depletion.

Mr. Abu stressed the need to return to traditional farming practices that involved the use of manure to improve soil fertility. He urged farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices and consider the health risks associated with chemical fertilizers, advocating for a shift towards compost fertilizers.

Mr. Elison Owusu Fordjour, a facilitator at the workshop, explained that the training focused on teaching farmers how to produce compost fertilizer using local materials. This approach is both affordable for farmers and ensures sustainability.

Madam Mercy Dzakpata, Secretary of the Mewoenya farmer group, speaking on behalf of the beneficiary farmers, expressed gratitude for the project. She noted that it would assist farmers in increasing production and saving costs on chemical fertilizers. She also encouraged farmers to utilize the training and spread awareness about the benefits of using compost fertilizer.