Irchad Razaaly, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, recently wrapped up a two-day visit to the Upper West Region, showcasing progress under the European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme (EUGAP). The visit highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods in Ghana.
During his visit, Ambassador Razaaly engaged with local communities and observed two key projects demonstrating the EU’s vision for sustainable agricultural development.
In Wa, he met the Tibourataa Women Group, producers of the “Neem Crop Protector,” a biological pest control agent. This initiative, which includes neem seed oil and other by-products, supports 12 permanent jobs and benefits 580 women farmers who supply neem seeds. The neem products, available in agro-input shops, underline the commercial viability of eco-friendly farming and empower women economically.
Razaaly’s second stop was the Sunmabo Farmer Group in Dandafuro, where he explored climate-resilient agriculture practices. The community employs Conservation Agriculture techniques and grows cashew trees alongside traditional crops. The EU supported the distribution of 300,000 cashew seedlings and established Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), enabling 26,000 women to access financial resources for agriculture and resilience-building.
These initiatives, funded by the EU and German development cooperation, demonstrate how community-led projects and innovative farming practices drive positive change, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen local economies. The efforts are part of a broader collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to foster sustainable agricultural development in north-western Ghana.
