The UDS Faculty of Agriculture has hosted an enlightening two-day workshop at the Nyankpala Campus. The workshop formed part of the Sustainable Intensification of Food Production in Africa (SustInAfrica) initiative. It brought together farmers, policymakers, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations and provided a platform for discussions and collaborations.

The workshop commenced with a compelling presentation by Pierre Ellssel, a distinguished expert from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. He emphasized the significance of agro-ecology, urging participants to embrace this approach to enhance resilience against the impacts of climate change. Mr. Ellssel highlighted the potential of agro-ecology in nutrient recycling and reducing external toxins in the soil, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

There was a break-out session, during which participants engaged in discussions, exploring innovative farming methods suitable for their respective local farming systems. The conversations fostered knowledge sharing and offered a platform for stakeholders in the agric sector, to exchange ideas, ultimately leading to the improvement of current farming systems in the region.

The Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Abdul Halim Abubakari, said the purpose for organising the workshop was to enhance stakeholders' capacity and support smallholder farmers, particularly women farmers. He stressed the importance of developing sustainable farmlands that are nutritionally sensitive, enabling families to achieve food security while generating income.

Prof. Abubakari underscored the positive impact of adequate nutrition on the overall health and academic performance of children, highlighting the broader implications of well-fed families.

Mary Corbett, a renowned Human Nutritionist from Self Help Africa, emphasized the crucial role of nutrition in the agricultural sector. Historically, nutrition has primarily been addressed within the healthcare sector, but Ms. Corbett emphasized the necessity of embedding nutrition within agriculture for lasting impact. She advocated for improvements in the quality and quantity of food produced, highlighting the importance of involving youth in agriculture to build a robust and sustainable nutrition system.

Mrs. Hajara Ibrahim Taimako, a respected farmer and food processor, shared her thoughts with UDS media after the workshop. She expressed gratitude to the organizers for the valuable knowledge she had gained, stressing the need for unity among women in agriculture and the processing industry to uplift the agricultural sector and promote the region's prosperity. Mrs. Taimako shed light on some of the challenges faced by food processors, particularly, the cumbersome registration process for finished products. She called upon the government and decision-making bodies to remove the bottlenecks in the process and provide support to farmers to enable them to add value to their raw produce effectively.

The SustInAfrica initiative, a pioneering research project, is dedicated to empowering West and North African smallholder farmers and SMEs. By developing and implementing a reference framework rooted in a systems approach, the initiative aims to facilitate sustainable intensification of African farming systems. With a focus on self-sufficiency, sustainability, and resilience, SustInAfrica strives to enhance primary production through verified best practices and innovative technologies.

The workshop, held under the auspices of SustInAfrica, has ignited a spark of transformation in African farming systems. By fostering collaboration, disseminating knowledge, and addressing critical challenges, this initiative is set to shape a brighter and more sustainable future for agriculture in the region.

Story by:
Ali Abdur Razaq Danbo
(University Relation Office)