Presentation of PPEs to 100 Cocoa Farmers in the Western North Region

CropLife Ghana in collaboration with Cargil Ghana Limited has trained 100 cocoa farmers at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region. The five(5) days training took place at four districts namely Bibiani, Sefwi Wiawso, Sefwi Bekwai and Sefwi Anhwiaso. The facilitators took the 100 carefully selected service providers who also double as cocoa farmers through both the theoretical and the practical sessions. Examinations was conducted at the end of the training where all the 100 farmers passed out successfully.

Each farmer received a set of protective equipment, certificate, ID Card, Cutlass, and Standard Pruner. After the presentation of the equipment, farmers were introduced to community members for them to patronize their services at a small fee thereby creating additional income stream for these trained service providers and reducing the stress on farmers across their locality.

Pictures of Presentation

FARMER SENSITIZATION ON “SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF PESTICIDES AT DADIESOABA-GOASO IN THE AHAFO REGION

CropLife Ghana in collaboration with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) organized a one day sensitization program for farmers on Safe and Responsible Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers, Container Management and Anti-Counterfeiting in 8 communities in Dadiesoaba-Goaso in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. Communities reached included Sienchem, Dadiesoaba, Woremso, Adomakokrom, Acherensua, Nkaseim, Sunkwa, and Kukuom. This activity was carried out from the 18th – 29th September, 2023.

Mr. Regionald Mensah, COCOBOD District Extension Coordinator of Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) facilitated the organization of the program in all the selected communities and some field staffs were all present for the programs in all the communities.

Sensitization Objectives

The Objectives of the program to:

v  To equip farmers knowledge on safe and responsible use of pesticides and fertilizers

v  To promote the use of genuine pesticides and fertilizers

v  To promote safe collection and proper disposal of empty pesticides containers

v  To create awareness on anti-counterfeiting program

v  To introduce farmers to the various productions and services of member companies

v  To link farmers to member Companies

 Topics Treated

v  Effects of pesticides on health and environment

v  Use of Personal Protective equipment

v  Handling empty pesticides containers and obsolete stocks

v  Hazards level of pesticides and its consequences

v  Pesticides dosage

v  Counterfeit and illegal pesticides

Member Companies Present

1  RMG GhanaLimited

2.  Rainbow  Agrosciences Ltd

3.   Agrocrown West Africa Company Ltd

4.   Yara Ghana

5.   The Candel Ghana 

Sensitization at Sienchem

Sensitization at Woremso

Sensitization at Sunkwa Community

Philip from RGM Sensitizing farmers at Adomakokrom

Adomakokrom Sensitization

Sensitization at Nkasiem Community

Sensitization at Kukuom

Sensitization at Acherenusua

Group picture at Sunkwa community. Farmers holding free souvenir’s from member companies

Group picture at Acherensua community

Group picture at Dadiesoaba

CROPLIFE GHANA CNFA HANDING OVER OF EQUIPMENT TO CASHEW FARMERS IN WENCHI

CropLife collaborated with the Wenchi  District Department of Food and Agriculture handing over of equipments to selected cashew farmers in Nchiara, Botenso, Amponsakrom, Awisa, Nkronisa and Akrobi in Wenchi, Bono Region.

These equipments includes over Fifty Wellington boots, Hand gloves, Overall, Ear mug, Safety Helmet , Knapsack Sprayers, Bypass Secateurs, Prunning Sheer, Pole Pruners, Chainsaw and Hand Saw. These equipment’s are aimed at improving access to orchard renovation and rehabilitation (R&R) services and agricultural inputs for producers in the cashew sector in the Wenchi Municipality in the Bono Region of Ghana on post-harvest handling of raw cashew nuts, responsible use of crop protection products, and the safe and responsible use of cashew production equipment and machines.

Nchiara Community

Nchiara handing Over

Botenso Community

Botenso Handing Over

Amponsakron

Awisa community

Nkronisa Community

Nkronisa Handing Over

Akrobi Community

Akrobi Handing over

CropLife Ghana and Cargill Ghana trained 33 cocoa Farmers at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region

The training started a day ahead of the scheduled date due to difficulty in securing venue. One Cargil Coordinator by name Bright was present on day 2 of the training as an observer. The farmers understood both the theory and the practical sessions of the training, with few challenges of reading of the pesticides labels and the toxicological band.  Another challenge was the transportation allowance of the farmers where they were claiming Ghs 100 per day instead of Ghs 20 proposed by Croplife.

Recommendations: Croplife should consider negotiations with Cargil to train their farmers on vegetable production as an additional livelihood to the farmers..

Training Session

Practical Session

Pruning practical Session

CropLife Ghana and Cargill Ghana trained 18 cocoa farmers at Sefwi Anhwiaso in the Western North Region

The training was opened by the IMS officer as planned on 12th June, 2023 at Sefwi Anhwiaso cocoa District. He encourage the participants to take advantage of the opportunity and learn more about the cocoa pruning and spraying.

After the opening remarks , the programme outline of the training was presented to the participant and allowed them to come out with their expectations and concerns.  Eighteen (18) farmers participated in the 5 day training program.

Participants reported on time at the training center and took much interest in the training topics. They were higly enthused and that was a positive feedback on the success of the program.

 TRAINING CONTENT

A pre written test on safe use of pesticides was conducted on the participants to find out their  level of understanding on the topic. Some of the topics treated were; cocoa pest & diseases control, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Scouting, business management, Pesticides formulation, mode of action,Harzards of pesticides, first aid and pruning.

During the training,  participants testified the detailed of the training contents and how it has enriched their knowledge on cocoa pest and disease control and pruning.

 FACILITATION

Training methods used was mainly discussion, group work and demonstration. The slide presentation was  more of pictures and illustrations. Participatory approach was used during presentation. One day was set aside for practical session at nearby cocoa farm ,where participants were taken through cocoa pruning, scounting and application of pesticide.Two (2)Cargill officers Isaac Dinka Duuti and Ema Esiamah were also in attendance at the training and during the practical session to support the facilitation.

LOGISTICS

Snacks, water and food was provided to all the participants.In addition to this, participants were supported with T & T to enable them comute from their communities and the training center.

 CHALLENGES

Apart from inadequate T&T pay to the participants , they were also stressed up because of movement to and from the communities and the training center. Secondly the communities were far from training center. Further, the 2days set aside for sensitization and slection of the participants were inadequate. There were budgetry constaint in the area of provition of snacks, water and food for participants.

RECOMMENDATION

I will recommend 1day per community for the sensitization to facilitate proper organization of the cooperatives.

I also recommend upword review of food,water and T&T budget in our subsequnce trainings to free facilitators from financial stress which can affect their delivery.If it will be possible the training should residential so that participants will not go through that stress.

Training session

Practical session

During PPEs demonstration

Pruning session

CropLife Ghana and Cargill Ghana trained 31 Farmers at Bibiani District in the Western North Region

Program was carried out as schedule with farmers at Calvary Power Church at Bibiani. Generally 31 out of 36 selected farmers participated in the training. Majority of the participants reported on time and the program started at exactly 9 am each day. It was observed that farmers had little knowledge about safe and responsible use of crop protection products. The training program was Interactive as farmers shared experiences on crop protection crops which was highly dangerous to their health and many years misuse of these products. Farmers testified that this training is one of the most important trainings they have acquired and the monies wasted many years without effective control of pest in their farms.  Farmers further requested for general training of pesticides to all their cooperative members. Practical training sessions were organized in a cocoa farm. Present were minimum of 4 Cargil officers each day throughout the training period recording 6 Cargil officers on day 1 and 2

Interesting Topics

Farmers showed more interest in all the topics especially Integrated Pest Management, Scouting, Pruning, Pesticides formulation, mode of action and Harzards of pesticides. It was also realized farmers were aware of Personal Protective Equipment and new how to put it on but was not using them.

 Difficult Topics

One of the difficult topics was Records keeping as farmers were not much abrest on farm records keeping.

 Challenges

 One of the major challenges encounted was Cargil officers interference in the training  money issues with regards to farmers created a lot of challenges throughout the training period. However I was able to convince them to concentrate on the knowledge and business acquisition instead  and they participated throughtout the schedule training period until issues were resolved.

 Recommendations

It is recommended that next trainings be organized solely based on Croplife policies without interference from project partners especially training organization issues.

Group Picture after successful training session

Training of Ampenim District Service providers at Bibiani

Practical Session Field.  Cargil Officer also advising farmers

Putting on the PPE

Illegal Pesticide Trade: Attorney General's office empowered to lead prosecution of culprits

CROPLIFE GHANA AND WORLD COCOA FOUNDATION EMPTY PESTICIDES CONTAINER MANAGEMENT LAUNCH IN GOASO – AHAFO REGION

Introduction:

The use of chemicals and other substances in the production and processing of cocoa might be detrimental to the health and safety of farmers largely due to the misuse and misapplication of pesticides with disregard to safety measures and regulations on chemical use.

Misuse or misapplication is the use of pesticides in a way that violates laws regulating their use which endangers humans, crops and the environment. There are several challenges related to the use of pesticides in Ghana especially among cocoa farmers and these include the irresponsible use of these pesticides, high exposure levels, unacceptable residue levels, the inability to deal with hazardous waste including obsolete pesticides and empty containers, the trade in counterfeit and illegal pesticides, pollution of water bodies, the use of children and pregnant women in the handling of pesticides, and the inadequate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) among others.

The use of pesticides and other agri-inputs in the cocoa industry in Ghana has raised a lot of concerns about the level of residues in cocoa beans, soils, and water, as well as other potential harm to humans and the environment. There is therefore the need to continuously build the capacities of cocoa farmers through training and sensitizations on the safe and responsible use of pesticides in cocoa production and to promote the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) among these farmers.

For this reason, CropLife Ghana with support from World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and CropLife Africa Middle East (CLAME) seeks to build the capacities of fifteen thousand (15,000) cocoa farmers through training and sensitization on the safe and responsible use of pesticides and to promote the use of PPEs among cocoa farmers in some selected districts in Ghana.

As part of the program launch, Croplife Ghana in collaboration with The World Cocoa Foundation put together some activities geared towards creating awareness in the catchment areas prior to the sensitization of farmers in the selected districts. The program began with a grand Durbar at the Fore front of the MOFA District Office in Goaso on Wednesday 10th May, 2023 which saw an exhibition of various products approved by the EPA and CRIG for use on cocoa farms in Ghana. Participants included Staff of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture (MOFA), WCF, Croplife Ghana Member companies, Farmers, and other stakeholders. Farmers were sensitized on the use of various products while edging farmers and all other stakeholders to purchase only approved and registered crop protection products for use. About One Hundred Farmers were sensitized on day one of the launching program.

Farmer being sensitized on a product

Day 2 of the planned activities saw a mini float through the principal streets of Goaso and adjourning communities with brass band music to create awareness of the impending sensitization and training activities to be carried out.

:WCF Country Director Dr. Betty (Left) & CLAME Director ofor Stewardship Ms. Evelyn (right)

Team CLG distributing some materials.

Some sensitization materials on safe use of pesticides and other crop protection products were distributed to stakeholders within the catchment areas. The team took time to explain the need to use right CPP’s as well as announce the upcoming training programs for the benefit of all. The float started at about 9am and ended at 2pm.

As part of the sensitization activities, some member companies of Croplife donated a set of jerseys to the secretariat. A football gala was organized between Four Districts namely Kukuom, Dadesoaba, Ntotroso and Goaso playing for a cup final. In the end Goaso won after a victory over Kukuom and was presented with the most coveted trophy. There was wild jubilation amid cheers and dancing. The team

Team Goaso in jubilant mood

Team Kukuom before kick off

The Launch Procedure

The launch was scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and end at 1:00pm. The program started with a word of prayer followed by an introduction of participant. Participants were drawn from various cooperative groups and associations within the Project Zones of Influence, MOFA, World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) staff, Croplife Ghana staff and representatives from member companies.  

   The Program Manager of CropLife Ghana, Mr. Rashad Kadiri and the Country Director of WCF Dr. Betty Annan officially launched the program on “Promoting safe and responsible use of agrochemicals “. In effect participants were sensitized on pesticide identification, counterfeit pesticides in the market, effective and efficient application of pesticides and fertilizers, Various Crop Protection Products (PPE’s) which is approved for use during spraying, pruning or Fertilizer application.

Participants were sensitized on the importance of CPP’s in obtaining maximum yields.

 Expected Outcome of the training

The launch was expected to:  

v  Create awareness amongst cocoa farmers about issues of agrochemical counterfeiting.

v  Sensitize farmers on the efficient and effective application of agri-inputs

v  Sensitize farmers on the need to apply on CropLife Ghana membership products. 

v  Sensitize farmers on the need to observe good agricultural practices in their farming activities for optimum yield.

v      Sensitize Farmers on how and where to purchase their pesticides and fertilizers.

v     Sensitize farmers on the need to use Personal Protective Clothing in pesticides and fertilizer application.

v  Sensitize farmers on the proper disposal of empty containers for safeguarding

Expected Timelines the Program 

v  Training is scheduled for farmers within the ZOI from May – August 2023

v  The program is scheduled to take place in collaboration with WCF and CLAME two weeks after the launch.

v  The program would target 21,000 cocoa farmers 

v  CropLife member companies will be present to sell out their products and create linkage with farmers

       Challenges and setback

The team was faced with a couple of challenges such as lateness of participants (farmer co-        operatives) to the venue due to bad roads leading to the venue of the program which caused a delay in     the commencement of the program

Closing of the training

v  The ECOM leader praised CropLife Ghana and World Cocoa Foundation for the initiatives to train twenty –one thousands cocoa farmers on the safe-uses of pesticides and humbly requested for more educative program of this kind should be organized in other communities to enable the farmers do farming with joy and not farming plaque with grief.

v  After a long and successful exercise, the program ended with a picture taking(group picture) and also providing participants  with refreshment.

Group Photo of Participants at the Launch

Question Time

Participants asking some key questions.

CropLife Ghana Media Engagement

A part of our continues media engagements (TV) to sensitize farmers and the general public on the safe and responsible use of pesticides and fertilizers and promoting our brands and visibility, CLG has signed a four (4) months MOU with ATV which will allow all member companies to have a live in-studio discussion on a programme dubbed, Time with CropLife Ghana. The programme will provide all member companies a platform to also promote your products and services as well and discuss matters arising in the agriculture sector.

The program will be aired live every Thursday, from 7:00pm -8:00pm on ATV.

Prosecuting the Trade in Illicit Pesticides: a capacity building workshop for the Department of Public Prosecution of The Attorney General’s Office (AG-DPP

The pesticide regulatory authorities in Ghana represented by Ghana Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) organized (today/yesterday) a sensitization and capacity building workshop, in cooperation with CropLife Ghana representing the pesticide industry in Ghana, and support from CropLife Africa Middle East and CropLife International.

Beneficiary of the program is the staff (prosecutors and other officers) of the Department of Public Prosecution of the Attorney General’s Office (AG-DPP).

The program aims to empower the staff of AG-DPP for the prosecution and administration of deterrent penal sanctions and other measures against the trade and handling of illegal pesticides which is an offense to the Ghana Pesticide Act.

Pesticides are essential tools used in agriculture to protect crops and harvests against pests and diseases.

They contribute to agricultural productivity through better yields and improved quality of the produces.

The increased demand and uses of pesticides in recent years have been accompanied by the growth of trade in illegal pesticides.

According to the OECD, an “illegal pesticide refers to a pesticide that is not legal in the country where it is placed on the market”. This includes counterfeit, fake, unauthorized, and obsolete pesticides.

These pesticides represent serious threats to human health and the environment as they are untested and unregulated, and their contents are unknown.

Beside the health, food safety and security, and the environmental risks, illegal pesticides pose serious economic damages to farmers through crop losses, to the government through tax losses, the rejection of export commodities and loss of market shares and foreign incomes.

The reputation and economic damage to the pesticide industry hampers the incentive for investment in innovation and technology transfer. Therefore, illegal pesticides pose serious threats to the sustainability of the agricultural economy, moreover to the national social and economic development.

The production and distribution of illegal pesticides are criminal activities led by organized crime groups which are exploiting the weak and other gaps in law enforcement to trade these illegal pesticides.

They are motivated by the high profit they earn and disregard the health and environment issues, and the ruin of farmers.

To curb the threats posed by illegal pesticides in Ghana, CropLife Ghana, with the support of CropLife Africa Middle East and CropLife International is engaged in an Anticounterfeit (ACF) program aiming to empower the key stakeholders to combat illegal pesticides.

An important component of the program is the enhancement of law enforcement, especially the prosecution and administration of deterrent ACF sanctions against the illicit trade of pesticides.Overall prosecuting the trade in illicit pesticides will contribute to protect human health and safeguard the environment, improve farmers’ incomes and livelihoods in line with a sustainable agricultural policy for a social and economic development of the country.

Agriculture is known to be the backbone of the economy in Ghana.

For more information

Rashad Kadiri, Program Manager

CropLife Ghana

Source :https://www.dailyagricnews.com/prosecuting-the-trade-in-illicit-pesticides-a-capacity-building-workshop-for-the-department-of-public-prosecution-of-the-attorney-generals-office-ag-dpp/