Cashew Watch Ghana revolutionizes cashew sub-sector in Bono Region

: 18 Jul, 2024

Cashew Watch Ghana is making significant strides in transforming the cashew sub-sector in the Bono Region. As a partner under the STAR-Ghana Foundation's Action for Voice, Influence, and Inclusive Development (AVID) project, Cashew Watch Ghana aims to enhance the capacity of cashew farmers for policy advocacy, enabling them to influence policy and promote transparency and accountability within the cashew value chain.

The team from STAR-Ghana Foundation interacting with some cashew farmers, and stakeholders at Nsawkaw,

Key initiatives
Established in January 2019 by the Global Media Foundation, Cashew Watch Ghana is a coalition of cashew farmers, media practitioners, and NGOs.

The goals include strengthening the capacity of the cashew farmers network in policy advocacy, promote transparency and accountability in the cashew value chain, mobilize and empower civil society, especially cashew farmers, and to influence government decisions and policy initiatives.

Their project areas include Tain, Jaman North and Jaman South districts, all in the Bono region.

Impact
Eric Nyamekye, a cashew farmer and processor for 39 years, reported improved farming practices and yields, which have led to better pricing and an improved standard of living.

Eric Nyamekye

Grace Kruwa, another cashew farmer testified that the training provided by Cashew Watch Ghana resulted in higher yields, enabling her to build a four-bedroom house and start a shop.

Grace Kruwa

Partnerships and support
STAR-Ghana Foundation provides crucial support to Cashew Watch Ghana, enabling the continuation of their impactful work in the region.

Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA):

Founded by an Act of Parliament in 2019, TCDA focuses on the development of six priority crops: cashew, oil palm, shea, rubber, coconut, and mango.

It has established an office in the Tain district to enhance the purchase of cashew nuts at fair prices and bring officers closer to farmers and stakeholders.

Mr Dwobeng Nyantakyi, Value Chain Officer at the Wenchi Zonal Office of the TCDA, said that so far registered over 1,600 traders, aggregators and exporters have been registered.

He praised the efforts of Cashew Watch Ghana and STAR-Ghana Foundation for streamlining the cashew sub-sector and improving the livelihood of farmers.

Through the “Amplifying the Voices of Cashew Farmers” project, Cashew Watch Ghana has effectively revolutionized the cashew sub-sector in the Bono Region, enhancing the livelihoods of cashew farmers and promoting a more transparent and accountable cashew value chain.

Joseph Alexander Bonsu, Farmers’ Representative on the TCDA Board, stated, "STAR-Ghana's support for Cashew Watch has been invaluable. Their work has made a real difference in our community."

Alfred Anaman, District Director of Agric for Tain, said, "The intervention and collaboration by Cashew Watch Ghana has helped to improve cashew production in the district, enhancing the livelihoods of actors along the value chain."

Fact sheet
- AVID project aims to improve access to social services and economic resources for #Underserved groups including #fulbes, rural women, persons with disabilities, youth, informal sector workers (market women) and #smallholder/peasant farmers. The project is funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Related projects

Suudu Baaba Foundation's efforts lead to increased school enrolments among Fulbe

The Suudu Baaba Foundation has made significant strides in promoting education within Fulbe communities, particularly for girls. Following their intervention, many Fulbe parents have started enrolling their children in schools, with a notable increase in the enrolment of girls. This effort is crucial as child marriage, although on the decline in Ghana over the past decade, remains a significant issue among the Fulbe communities.

Traditionally, Fulbe parents were hesitant to send their daughters to school due to cultural beliefs and practices. These practices often led to girls being married off at a young age in exchange for a dowry or bride price, providing financial relief to the family. This cultural norm posed a significant barrier to the education of girls, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limiting opportunities for these young women.

In partnership with the STAR-Ghana Foundation’s Action for Voice, Influence, and Inclusive Development (AVID) project, the Suudu Baaba Foundation is working to change this narrative. Their collaborative efforts focus on increasing the enrollment and retention of Fulbe girls in schools across several districts, including Asante Akim North, Sekyere Kumawu, and Ejura/Sekyedumase.

During a recent monitoring and story-gathering visit by a team from STAR-Ghana, it was evident that Suudu Baaba’s advocacy efforts are yielding positive results. In these districts, Fulbe girls are now not only being enrolled in schools but are also being retained, marking a significant shift in community attitudes towards girls' education.

In Woraso, a community in the Asante Mampong Municipal, the impact of Suudu Baaba’s work is palpable. A parent, Abiba Bukari, shared her experience, highlighting the transformative effect of the foundation’s advocacy and educational programs. “Through the advocacy and education by Suudu Baaba, I have enrolled my girls in school. I hope for a better future for them,” she stated. This sentiment is echoed by many parents in the region who are beginning to see the value of education for their daughters.

Abiba Bukari, A Fulbe mother

The Suudu Baaba Foundation's approach involves engaging with community leaders, parents, and the girls themselves to address the root causes of school dropout rates and early marriage. They conduct sensitization programs that challenge existing cultural norms and promote the benefits of education. By doing so, they are not only increasing school enrollments but are also fostering a more inclusive and progressive mindset within these communities.

The collaboration with the STAR-Ghana Foundation has provided Suudu Baaba with the necessary resources and support to expand their reach and impact. The AVID project, in particular, has been instrumental in amplifying their advocacy efforts and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and considered in development initiatives.

As a result of these combined efforts, there is a growing sense of optimism within the Fulbe communities. Parents are beginning to see education as a viable path to a better future for their children, particularly their daughters. The decline in child marriage rates and the increase in school enrollments are clear indicators of progress.

The Suudu Baaba Foundation, with the support of the STAR-Ghana Foundation, continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Fulbe girl has the opportunity to attend school and achieve her full potential. Their efforts are a testament to the power of advocacy and education in driving social change and improving lives.

Fact sheet
- Suudu Baaba Foundation is a partner of the Action for Voice, Influence and Inclusive Development (AVID) project.
- AVID project aims to improve access to social services and economic resources for #Underserved groups including #fulbes, rural women, persons with disabilities, youth, informal sector workers (market women) and #smallholder/peasant farmers. The project is funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Women in Livelihood Development (WiLD) empowers women in Banda

In the Banda area of the Bono region, the Women in Livelihood Development (WiLD) organisation has achieved remarkable success in advancing women's leadership and economic empowerment.

Through their dedicated interventions, WiLD has successfully supported the election of several women to local government positions, marking a significant step towards gender equality and inclusive governance in the region.

Members of WiLD during in a meeting

WiLD's advocacy efforts have been instrumental in sensitising the community and enhancing women's access to economic resources. By providing training and support, the organization empowers women to take on leadership roles and participate actively in the economic development of their communities. This approach has not only boosted the confidence and capabilities of these women but also created a more supportive environment for female leadership.

One of the key achievements of WiLD is the nomination of its members to four sub-committees of the Banda District Assembly. These sub-committees, which include works, social, and child protection committees, play a crucial role in local governance and decision-making. The inclusion of women in these committees ensures that their perspectives and needs are considered in the development and implementation of policies and projects.

Janet Afriyie is now a Unit Committee member. She attributes her success to WiLD’s intervention and capacity-building initiatives, which gave her the knowledge and confidence to pursue this new position.

Janet Afriyie, Unit Committee Member

WiLD's efforts have also extended to economic empowerment initiatives, where women are provided with training and resources to start and grow their businesses. This not only improves their economic status but also contributes to the overall economic development of the Banda area. The increased economic participation of women leads to more diverse and resilient local economies, benefitting the entire community.

The success of WiLD in Banda serves as an inspiring example of how targeted interventions and advocacy can lead to significant improvements in women's leadership and economic empowerment.

Alimatu Amadu, Presiding Member

The success story of Alimatu Amadu, as a Presiding Member at Banda speaks volumes about the impact that WiLD’s interventions and advocacy can have on the lives of women.

By continuing to support and empower women, WiLD is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from economic and social development.

Fact sheet
- WiLD is a partner of the Action for Voice, Influence and Inclusive Development (AVID) project.
- AVID project aims to improve access to social services and economic resources for #Underserved groups including #fulbes, rural women, persons with disabilities, youth, informal sector workers (market women) and #smallholder/peasant farmers. The project is funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
- WiLD’s capacity-building programmes provide women with the knowledge and skills they need to take on leadership roles.
- WiLD’s advocacy efforts promote gender equality in decision-making and political participation, leading to greater representation of women in leadership roles.

Duapa Mothers’ Union drives inclusive development in Kwame Danso

The Duapa Mothers’ Union, a key partner of the Actions for Voice, Influence, and Inclusive Development (AVID) project, has spearheaded significant initiatives to promote inclusivity and empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) at Kwame Danso in the Bono East region. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the participation and representation of marginalized groups in local governance.

From left: Peace Nyame, (teacher), Dorcas Dapaah, MEL Officer, Duapa Mothers' Union, Emma Dedoo, Senior Grants Officer, STAR-Ghana Foundation and Sarah Adjei, Projects Manager, STAR-Ghana Foundation

One of the Union's primary interventions focused on reducing stigma associated with disabilities through community conversations. These dialogues aimed to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for PWDs, challenging existing prejudices and encouraging community support.

In addition to addressing stigma, the Union conducted sensitisation sessions specifically for women with disabilities. These sessions provided valuable information on the local government system, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to engage more effectively with decision-making processes. By demystifying the workings of local governance, the Union hopes to inspire more women with disabilities to take active roles in their communities.

Peace Nyame, a teacher with a disability shared that she previously lacked the self-esteem to express herself and demonstrate her capabilities. However, through the intervention of Duapa, she has overcome her fears.

Patience Nyame, a teacher and a Unit Committee member gives testimony about her association with Duapa

Now, she serves as a unit committee member in the local assembly. She commended Duapa and requested the continuation of the project to benefit more people, especially those with disabilities.

The District Chairman of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation, Peter K. Asiamah, said that now he goes about his business free from stigmatisation.

“Before the intervention by STAR-Ghana Foundation through Duapa, we lacked self-esteem due to the stigma we faced because of our disabilities. Now, through efforts to promote acceptance within the community, we are free to live and embark on livelihood ventures,” he said.

Recognising the importance of political representation, the Duapa Mothers’ Union also organised engagement meetings with key decision-makers including queen mothers. These meetings aimed to garner support for PWDs. By highlighting the unique challenges faced by these women and advocating for their inclusion, the Union seeks to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs addressed in the political arena.

Henry Owusu Appiah, the Director of Social Welfare also commended Duapa for their intervention in supporting the government's efforts to ensure the welfare of people with disabilities (PWDs) and improve their livelihoods.

The efforts of the Duapa Mothers’ Union under the AVID project are a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in driving inclusive development. By addressing stigma, providing education, and advocating for political support, the Union is paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future at Kwame Danso. Their work serves as a model for other communities seeking to empower marginalised groups and enhance their participation in local governance.

Fact sheet
- The Duapa Mothers’ Union, a key partner of the Actions for Voice, Influence, and Inclusive Development (AVID) project
- AVID project aims to improve access to social services and economic resources for #Underserved groups including #fulbes, rural women, persons with disabilities, youth, informal sector workers (market women) and #smallholder/peasant farmers. The project is funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

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Cashew Watch Ghana revolutionizes cashew sub-sector in Bono Region

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