The Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, in collaboration with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), has held a three-day workshop on Regenerative Agriculture for Extension officers in Cape Coast. The event was under the theme: "Empowering Agricultural Extension Officers for Regenerative Agriculture in Ghana."

Chairing the opening ceremony, the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry D. Acquah, expressed his profound appreciation to the Sasakawa Africa Association for organising the workshop aimed at equipping extension officers with essential skills to enhance their effectiveness.

Prof. Acquah outlined the significance of the workshop, noting, “Regenerative Agriculture aims to create a self-sustaining system benefiting both farmers and the environment.”

He encouraged the participants to make the most of the learning opportunity and to apply the acquired knowledge in their fieldwork.

“We are change drivers, let us make the best out of the opportunity and go out there and implement the techniques learnt,” he emphasised.

The Country Director of the Sasakawa Africa Association, Dr. Godwin Atser, provided an overview of SAA’s operations across Africa and noted the importance of embracing regenerative agriculture practices. He pointed out that within the African context, regenerative agriculture primarily involves Integrated Soil Fertility Management and Conservation Agriculture.

“Extension needs to be rebranded to transform Agriculture in Africa,” Dr. Atser further remarked.

He also advocated for the adoption of digital tools and collaborative partnerships in the agricultural sector.

“Employ the use of digital tools in farming and engage in partnership because partnership is very key and we need to partner at all levels,” he declared.

In concluding his address, Dr. Atser stressed the need for data-driven approaches, stating that more evidence is needed to maximise the benefit of climate-smart and Regenerative Agriculture technologies, especially tapping the carbon market.

The Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, UCC, Prof. Martin Bosompem, reiterated the importance of continuously empowering agricultural extension officers in the country. He appealed to stakeholders to invest in the Supervised Enterprise Projects (SEPs) of BSc Agricultural Extension students to improve their productivity, research, and engagement with local communities.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC