Soilless Vegetable Farming: Ghana
In northern Ghana, in partnership with TradeAID Integrated, a handcraft producer and registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) located in the Bolgatanga region, we provided support to 60 economically vulnerable basket weavers to establish a soilless farming enterprise.
Pictured: Atule Azeyoke holds harvested vegetables grown using soilless farming methods.
IMPACT INSIGHTS
In West Africa, soilless farming is providing an opportunity for women to increase their income through the production and sale of organic vegetables. The technique is practised on land unsuitable for traditional farming and requires less water, enabling crops to be grown throughout the year.
This initiative led to the creation of six farms, each equipped with drip irrigation watering systems. Participants underwent training in soilless farming techniques, with guidance from the Crop Science Department of the University of Ghana. In addition, they received comprehensive training in agri-business skills, rural entrepreneurship and nutritional education.
Upon completion of the first harvest, these farms yielded 6,038 kg of vegetables, including lettuce, peppers and aubergines. These fresh produce items were sold to 206 customers, resulting in total sales amounting to £1,932.
“This project has led to changes in my life. I have received training and I have new knowledge about soilless agriculture. We also consume healthy products. Thanks to the income I receive here, I save it in our VSLA and I take the money to invest in the small business. It’s a new activity that keeps me busy."
~ Boulguissa Mandé, participant of our Soilless Vegetable Farming project in Burkina Faso.
