The Nabdam District Assembly says it is ready to expand cashew production as a climate-resilient agricultural initiative continues to record impressive results, with more than 800 cashew trees surviving two years after planting in Nyogbari community.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Francis Yenwona Tobig, said the Assembly will continue to support the initiative and is seeking additional partnerships and external investments to scale up cashew cultivation across the district, where farmers and communities have shown willingness to provide land and participate in the project.
According to him, the successful establishment of the 16-acre cashew plantation under the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP II) demonstrates that Nabdam has the potential to become a hub for climate-smart agriculture while creating sustainable livelihoods for residents, particularly women.
The plantation, which has achieved an estimated 80 per cent survival rate, was established two years ago as part of efforts to address the impact of climate change, restore degraded lands and improve the economic wellbeing of vulnerable households.
It currently provides employment opportunities for 66 labourers, mostly women.
“As a district committed to climate mitigation and improving economic livelihoods among residents, we will commit resources and empowerment to this initiative,” Mr Tobig said during a visit to the plantation.
He encouraged farmers and communities to embrace cashew farming, assuring them that the Assembly would continue to provide support to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the project.
“I entreat the farmers here to take the initiative seriously because, as a district, it is dear to us and we will be doing everything possible to support it,” he added.
The DCE explained that the availability of suitable lands and the readiness of farmers to adopt cashew production provide a strong foundation for expanding the initiative beyond the current plantation.
He noted that the Assembly is open to working with development partners, government agencies and private investors to provide seedlings, technical support and other resources needed to encourage more farmers to venture into cashew farming.
The remarks were made during a working and familiarisation tour of the Upper East Region by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu, accompanied by the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugre Atanga, and the GPSNP II Zonal Coordinator, Michael Abanah.
The GPSNP II Zonal Coordinator, Michael Abanah commended the Nyogbari community for making land available for the project, describing their commitment as a major reason behind the high survival rate of the trees.
“It’s not easy to get an acre in a community in the Upper East like this. I commend the community for the commitment they have shown towards ensuring the survival of this project,” he said.
He urged residents to take ownership of the plantation, stressing that the project would contribute to improved livelihoods, environmental protection and sustainable income generation.
The Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu, said the initiative aligns with Ghana’s international climate commitments and government’s efforts to empower communities through environmental programmes.
“When you empower women economically, you are empowering generations, you are empowering hope, and you are igniting life,” he said.
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