CropLife is a regional federation representing the plant science industry and a network of national associations across the world. It is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds, and plant biotechnology. CropLife Ghana, as a member association, focuses on Crop Protection, Partnerships, Projects, and Plant Biotech.
In a memorandum of Understanding signed between Croplife Ghana and ETG Beyond Beans in August 2024, Croplife Ghana was tasked with the selection, training and equipping of One Hundred and Forty-Six Farmers/Spray service providers in some selected Beyond Beans focus areas and hubs. This training was designed to introduce the Spray Service Provider Concept to farmers and input dealers in Konongo, Bekwai, New Edubiase, Nsokote and Samreboi in the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana
Training Objectives:
The objectives of the training were:
v To equip participants in knowledge of safe and responsible use of pesticides
v To promote use of genuine pesticides and fertilizers
v To promote safe collection and proper disposal of empty pesticides containers
v To promote the need for good management practices to safe guide produce and environment
v To equip participants in knowledge and skill in proper pruning of cocoa farm
v To build capacity of participants to see the service provision in cocoa as business opportunity to explore (Business for the youth)
v To equip participants in knowledge and skills in proper records keeping
Brief Description of training Activity
The training was organized in two sessions starting from 9th September to 1st November 2024 in batches of at most fifteen (15) participants at each location. The training program was well organized by the IMS officer in the various districts as each of them have vast knowledge about the geographical area and have excellent working relationship with the farmers as well. All training sessions were successfully carried out as scheduled with the participants. The training program was not residential as suc participants had to commute each day from their respective communities to the training venue which caused some few delays in starting throughout the training period.
Majority of the participants were youthful comprising of about 60% with the remaining slightly above the youthful cut off point but energetic and ready to be trained as Service providers. This falls in line with one of the criteria for the selection of SSP’s as individuals must be willing and ready to be trained and also ability to use the training as an additional profession to generate additional income. It was observed that few of the participants present were already part of the Government mass spraying and pruning gangs providing spray services to farmers with little technical knowledge on safe and responsible application use of crop protection products etc. Additionally, it was observed that almost all the participants had no knowledge about Pesticide mode of action (MOA) which is key to effective and efficient control of pest. Majority of the farmers testified of misusing pesticides and therefore causing harm to themselves and the environment. The training employed participatory training approach including interactive sessions, questions and answers as participants shared experiences on crop protection products which were highly dangerous to their health and many years of misusing these products. Participants testified that this training is one of the important trainings they have acquired and should be expanded to the whole community. A lot of questions were asked by participants which was a good sign on the part of participant’s readiness to learn new things. Materials used for the training included combination of visuals (Pictures), demonstrations (field visits), games, and practical observations/analysis. The sessions were conducted in English and (Twi) to ensure full comprehension by participants.
Practical training
Practical training sessions was properly organized by IMS officer and the technical staff in cocoa farms and registered agro inputs shops at various locations often not too far from the training venue. Both spraying and pruning equipment’s were available for practical session.
Participants were divided into groups for proper scouting and assessment of farm after proper recommendations and actions. Three (3) major activities were carried out on the field namely Pruning, scouting and practical application of pesticides to ascertain things learnt during the theory sessions.
Practical training sessions- 1st training
Interesting Topics
Farmers showed more interest in all the topics especially Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Scouting, Pruning, Pesticides formulation, mode of action and SSP as Business. It was also realized farmers were aware of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) but unaware of its importance in the Crop Protection Industry. Participants were trained on ways to put on PPE’s, removal and storage to prevent household hazards.
Difficult Topics
It was observed from all topics treated that, pesticide formulation and reading the label were difficult for almost all the participants. Therefore, much time was spent with a lot of illustrations and field visit to agro input shop before concept was fully grabbed by participants. This is one of the major challenges faced by farmers across the country and therefore susceptible to fake products in the markets. Proper reading and identification of pesticide labels and its application will eliminate a lot of faking and adulteration of CPP’s in the farming areas thereby increasing yields and household incomes.
Challenges
A few challenges encountered by the team are as enumerated below:
1. Late reporting of participants to training due to travel time and distance
2. Erratic rainfalls and poor weather conditions
3. Some of the participants could not read and write but were eager to be trained as SSP’S
4. Transport allowance; Without the timely intervention of the IMS officers who explained the importance of the training to their businesses, most of the farmers were willing to boycott the training over transport allowance and accommodation
Conclusions
In conclusion, the participants were eager and enthusiastic to learn new things throughout the training period. The practice of safe and responsible use of pesticides by farmers is key as far as standard assurance for cocoa production is concern. Hence, embracing good quality trainings, supervision and monitoring is a necessity to meet certification standards, protection of the environment whiles maintaining good health for farmers.
Recommendations:
· It is recommended that transportation should be considered in subsequent trainings as most of the communities where the farmers were selected are far apart
· Safe and responsible use of pesticide training is more technical and therefore refresher trainings should be considered in future
Business training session -1ST Training
1st training visit to Agro inputs shop at Asankare
Discussion on conterfeit and illigal pesticides