Eminence Lead International holds capacity-building programme for farmers

Eminence Lead International, a non-governmental organization has organized a one-day comprehensive capacity-building programme for farmers in Yilo Krobo and surrounding communities, designed to equip them with practical knowledge on land rights, agribusiness finance, safe handling of agrochemicals, and innovative agri-entrepreneurship to promote sustainable agricultural development.

The programme, dubbed the ‘Farmers Care Programme’, was organized for members of the Yilo Krobo Mango Farmers Association (YKMFA) on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the YKMFA Conference Hall of Yilo Krobo Senior High School in Somanya, Eastern Region.

Held under the theme “Sustainable Agriculture Business Practices and Innovative Agri-Entrepreneurship for Robust Agricultural Development,” the event brought together about 300 mango farmers, alongside agricultural stakeholders, financial institutions, and development partners, for a full-day engagement aimed at strengthening the agricultural value chain in the area.

The programme commenced at 9:00 a.m. and focused on building farmers’ capacity in key areas including land tenure and legal awareness, farm business and financial management, safe handling of agrochemicals, and sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices, as part of broader efforts to promote rural development and food security.

Delivering a presentation as Special Guest of Honour on the topic “Understanding Land Rights and Laws as a Farmer: Empowering Farmers Through Knowledge of the Law,” the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, described land as the foundation of agricultural activity, emphasising that inadequate understanding of land ownership systems continues to expose farmers to exploitation, disputes, and the erosion of livelihoods.

Dr. Wemakor explained that land rights refer to the legal or customary rights individuals and communities have to own, use, and manage land, outlining various forms including ownership, leasehold, communal or customary land, and tenancy arrangements. According to him, secure land tenure encourages long-term investment, promotes peace, and safeguards farmers’ livelihoods.

Touching on Ghana’s legal framework, he highlighted key laws such as the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), the Administration of Lands Act, 1962, and the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands Act, 1994, noting the critical roles played by the Lands Commission, traditional authorities, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

He also identified persistent challenges confronting farmers, including boundary disputes, lack of land documentation, gender discrimination in land access and inheritance, corruption, and encroachment by developers and mining companies. He urged farmers to properly document land transactions, register lands with the Lands Commission, engage qualified surveyors and credible witnesses, join farmer associations, and seek legal advice before signing agreements.

“Knowledge of your rights is the seed of empowerment. Protect it, and your farm will flourish,” Dr. Wemakor said.

Another major presentation was delivered by Mr. Nicholas Nikoi, Unit Head of Agro-Marketing and Sales at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), who encouraged farmers to approach agriculture strictly as a business rather than a hobby.

He cautioned against excessive and unplanned spending, stressing that a farm may appear productive but still fail if costs outweigh returns, and guided participants through effective financial management strategies aimed at building resilient and profitable farm enterprises.

Mr. Nikoi outlined seven key principles for prudent financial management: setting clear priorities, budgeting, paying bills promptly, controlling debt, investing regularly, insuring farms and livelihoods, and planning for retirement.

He warned that while debt can be useful, it can become destructive if poorly managed, urging farmers to borrow only when necessary and to ensure loans are used strictly for their intended purposes.

“Debt is like fire — it can cook your food, but it can also burn your house if you are not careful,” he cautioned.

He further emphasized the importance of proper record-keeping, noting that good financial records enhance farmers’ credibility and improve access to financial support from banks and other financial institutions.

The programme also featured a technical session on agrochemical safety delivered by Dr. Felix Kwame Appiah, Technical Manager (Operations) at the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

He explained that crop protection products such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides are biologically active chemicals that must be handled responsibly to protect human health, the environment, and product quality.

Dr. Appiah educated participants on climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management, and the importance of selecting the right agrochemicals based on expert advice.

He also outlined proper procedures for purchasing, transporting, storing, measuring, mixing, and applying agrochemicals, stressing the use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to label instructions.

He further highlighted safe disposal methods for pesticide waste and containers, warning against practices that contaminate water bodies, food supplies, and living spaces.

The programme was marked by active participation, with farmers asking practical questions and sharing experiences that made the discussions directly applicable to their daily farming operations.

Organizers expressed appreciation to key sponsors and partners whose support contributed to the success of the programme, including the Agricultural Development Bank Ghana (ADB), Ghana Cocoa Board, Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Hot FM.

Special appreciation was also extended to Mr. Emmanuel Ofori, Project Officer of Eminence Lead International, and the organizing team for their effective coordination and execution of the event.

The Farmers Care Programme ended with a renewed emphasis on the need for farmers to apply the knowledge acquired to secure their land tenure, manage farms as viable businesses, adopt safe agrochemical practices, and embrace sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural methods.