Alhassan Eliasu, a 36-year-old groundnut farmer from Limanpe No. 1 community in the West Gonja Municipal of the Savannah region, has discovered an exciting new path to success through his participation in the Generating Revenues and Opportunities for Women to Improve Nutrition in Ghana (GROWING) project. This action research initiative, designed to foster a more inclusive, gender-equitable, nutritious, and climate-smart food system, has significantly impacted Alhassan's life and community.
Initially, Alhassan was hesitant about diversifying his crops. However, the GROWING project’s integrated intervention strategy and innovative practices convinced him to take a chance on the Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (OFSP) initiative. The project aims to achieve more equitable and enhanced nutrition, particularly for women and young children, increase control of income by women and youth, and build a resilient food system in six districts, including the West Gonja district where Alhassan lives.
Through the GROWING project, Alhassan, along with his wife, joined the Growing Futures Clubs (GFCs), where they received comprehensive training on the cultivation of OFSP. This crop is rich in vitamin A and essential for combating malnutrition, especially among children under five. This training was part of the project’s broader effort to provide seeds and promote improved climate-smart agronomic and post-harvest practices for various nutritious crops.
With newfound knowledge and a determined spirit, Alhassan set out to implement the techniques he had learned. His efforts were soon rewarded with an impressive harvest of large, healthy sweet potatoes. The bountiful yield not only made him happy but also brought significant financial gains. By selling part of his harvest to a local parboiling seller, Alhassan earned GHc430.00—a substantial boost to his income. Recognizing the potential of continuous cultivation and sale of OFSP, Alhassan sees this as a sustainable boost to his income.
Alhassan quickly saw the multifaceted benefits of cultivating OFSP. Beyond the economic advantages, he noticed the positive impact on nutrition within his household and community. Women in the community, empowered by the GROWING project, began using OFSP to prepare a variety of nutritious dishes for their families. These meals provided essential vitamins and nutrients, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community, especially the children.
Demonstrating generosity and a sense of communal support, Alhassan shared his harvest with ten other community members, introducing the nutritious sweet potatoes to more households. This act of sharing not only fostered goodwill but also enhanced the diet of his neighbors. The sweet potatoes quickly became a favorite, particularly among children who enjoyed them as a main lunch staple after school.
Alhassan also took strategic steps for future cultivation. Recognizing the potential of OFSP, he preserved some of the vines from his initial harvest for replanting. His goal is to expand his OFSP farm to half an acre in the next growing season, a plan that reflects his growing confidence and ambition. He discovered that planting OFSP on ridges yielded better results compared to traditional mounds, a crucial insight that he plans to apply in future cultivation efforts.
Reflecting on his journey, Alhassan expressed deep appreciation for the GROWING project. "The GROWING project has not only introduced a new income-generating crop but also improved the health and well-being of my family and community," he said. The success of OFSP in Limanpe No. 1 has inspired Alhassan to explore further market opportunities. He is eager to tap into broader markets to increase his income even more and improve his family's nutrition and livelihood.
TGROWING project’s comprehensive approach, which includes forming Growing Futures Clubs (GFCs) and focusing on climate-smart agriculture, has played a pivotal role in Alhassan's success. These clubs, comprising approximately 30 households each, provide crucial support and education, ensuring that participants like Alhassan can thrive. Over the next four years, the project will continue to implement its integrated intervention package, aiming for lasting impacts on nutritional and financial security in the region.
Through his dedication and the support of the GROWING project, Alhassan Eliasu has indeed discovered a new path to success, one that promises not only financial stability but also a healthier and more vibrant community. His story is a testament to the transformative power of agricultural innovation and support in creating a brighter future for all.
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