Impact at the Grassroots: A Remarkable Exchange with Farmers from Nkoranza, Bono East

At Farming in Africa (FIA), our mission has always been to bridge the gap between agricultural innovation and the everyday farmer. This vision came to life in an extraordinary way on the 31st of May and 1st of June 2025, when we had the distinct honor of hosting over 30 grassroots farmers from the North Nkoranza District of the Bono East Region.

This transformative exchange was made possible through the inspiring efforts of Peace Corps Agriculture Volunteer, Mariah Walton, and our ongoing collaboration with the GIZ ABF MGF Project.

Cultivating Connections: How the Program Began

What initially started as a simple email from Mariah months ago evolved into a meaningful and immersive two-day program held at our Semanhyia L&D Farm. The goal was clear: to expose these passionate farmers to sustainable animal husbandry practices specifically tailored for goat production.

The participating farmers, all part of a cooperative union, arrived eager to learn, interact, and take home practical knowledge they could implement in their own communities.

Bringing Innovation to the Field

Thanks to the support of the GIZ ABF MGF Project, this initiative allowed us to move beyond screens and hashtags, creating opportunities for direct engagement with the very heart of Ghana’s agricultural sector — our rural and peri-urban farmers.

Through hands-on demonstrations, discussions, and mentorship sessions, the program underscored the importance of practical, in-person knowledge transfer. It provided a rare opportunity for these farmers to experience innovative techniques first-hand, helping them build the confidence to adopt new methods and share their learnings with their peers.

Why This Matters

This exchange reaffirmed several of FIA’s core beliefs:

• Change begins at the grassroots: Empowering local farmers drives true agricultural transformation.
• Practical knowledge transfer is critical: In-person training and mentorship are vital for sustainable growth.
• The power of cooperatives: Farmer cooperatives are key players in driving community-led agricultural development.
• Impact through partnerships: Lasting change is built on intentional partnerships and accessibility.

A Message of Gratitude

To Mariah Walton and the farming community of Nkoranza — thank you for trusting us with this opportunity. Your dedication to agricultural transformation inspires us. You remind us that the real work happens when we walk the fields alongside those who feed the nation.

Looking Ahead: Our Commitment

As we continue our journey, Farming in Africa remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every farmer — whether in the most remote corner of Ghana or in an urban center — has equal access to the knowledge, tools, and hope they need to thrive.

Because transformation must be inclusive — and we are here for it.

Are you an organization, institution, or professional passionate about empowering livestock farmers? 

Partner with us or sign up to stay informed about upcoming workshops and initiatives. Together, we can accelerate Africa’s livestock revolution — one community at a time.