Under the Strengthening Smallholder-Farmers Resilience and Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture in the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga (SCRAS) project, NABOCADO field officers facilitated the establishment of demonstration alley farming plots with farmers in selected communities across Nabdam, West Mamprusi, Kassena-Nankana and Builsa South.
For the farmers who have offered their farms for the demonstration plots, this marks more than the start of a new farming practice; it is a significant step in their journey towards agroecological and climate-resilient agriculture with NABOCADO and the SCRAS Project.
Through alley farming, farmers are being supported to integrate trees and shrubs into their crop fields, with annual crops grown between widely spaced rows of trees. The practice combines crop production with the longer-term benefits of agroforestry, including improved soil health, biodiversity and more productive use of farmland.
The SCRAS project funded by Misereor with support from Bistum Münster linked the farmers to access tree seedlings and built their capacities on plot measurement, design, tree establishment, and management. This is expected to expose them to practical feel and serve as learning sites, with the results serving as motivation for wider adoption of alley cropping among farmers.
As they develop, the trees are expected to provide fodder for livestock and contribute organic matter to the soil through leaf litter, while also providing other ecological benefits.
The activity contributes to SCRAS Objective 2, which seeks to support targeted communities to intensify the implementation of their Climate Adaptation Action Plans (CAAPs).
We appreciate the commitment and enthusiasm of the farmers who are opening their fields to learning, experimentation, and agro-ecological practices.
Originally posted on NABOCADO's Facebook and LinkedIn pages.