OARDEP

Advancements in SRI Rice Farming with OARDEP in Oti Region, Ghana

Packaged rice from Ewoe Organic, the collective brand created by farmers working with OARDEP.

Rockflower is excited to report significant progress in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) project, in collaboration with One Africa Research Development and Extension Programme (OARDEP), aimed at transforming rice farming in the Oti Region of Ghana. This initiative continues to underscore our shared dedication to enhancing sustainable livelihoods for women farmers through innovative agricultural practices.

Since the project's inception, OARDEP has successfully increased the number of participating farmers to 141, with an emphasis on including women and girls, who now make up 85% of the participants. This expansion is critical in a region where 87% of the vibrant population engages in agricultural practices, predominantly rice cultivation.

The project now encompasses five communities—Bala, Mate, Avegeme, Todome, and Abrani. Notably, these areas benefit from consistent rainfall, making them ideal for implementing dual-season rice cultivation, a practice OARDEP is eager to optimize and expand.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the robust training program that has been rolled out across the communities. OARDEP has conducted numerous workshops focused on the System of Rice Intensification, which includes modern agronomic practices such as effective water management, irrigation, and organic farming techniques. These sessions are designed not only to increase rice yields but also to promote sustainable farming practices that are environmentally friendly.

The training also extends to entrepreneurial development, helping farmers to manage their rice cultivation as a business. This includes instruction on financial management, networking with financial institutions, and marketing strategies, ensuring that farmers can maximize their profitability and sustainability.

One of the main challenges faced by the project has been the high cost of farming materials and equipment. In response, farmers have formed cooperatives to pool resources and gain better access to financial services. This cooperative approach has allowed them to meet budget constraints and continue expanding their farming operations. As a cooperative, the group now sells rice under the name, ‘Ewoe Organic.’

Another challenge faced by the group was the inconsistency of attendance at training sessions. The organization addressed this by recording their sessions for later playback and providing one-on-one interactions to reinforce learning and ensure no farmer is left behind.

A significant concern highlighted during the project is the lack of land access for women farmers. OARDEP is advocating for governmental policy changes to facilitate easier access to land for women, which is essential for sustaining production and enhancing food security in the region.

As the project moves forward, OARDEP plans to continue expanding its reach, aiming to include at least 240 farmers by the end of the project cycle. The ultimate goal is to make rice farming a sustainable and profitable endeavor in the Oti Region, contributing to food security and economic stability in Ghana.

Rockflower remains committed to supporting OARDEP as they work to refine and implement these strategies, ensuring that the benefits of the SRI project reach as many farmers as possible, thereby transforming not only individual lives but also entire communities.

Fostering Growth and Empowerment in Rice Farming: Rockflower’s Impactful Partnership with OARDEP

Female rice farmers in rice paddy

Rockflower’s partnership with One Africa Research Development and Extension Programme (OARDEP) stands as an exemplary model of how strategic partnerships can drive change and uplift communities. Through its funding support for OARDEP, Rockflower is playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing rice farming in the Oti Region of Ghana. This collaboration highlights the power of synergy in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the realm of agriculture.

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Project

At the heart of this partnership is the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) project, a groundbreaking initiative that combines traditional knowledge and modern ecological practices to boost rice productivity. SRI has not only improved soil and water management but also promises a sustainable future for rice cultivation in Ghana.

In the past, proponents of SRI have faced challenges with its adoption among local rice farmers in areas like Avegeme and Abrani. However, OARDEP saw an opportunity to engage local farmers in adopting these sustainable practices through the creation of a 2 acre model SRI rice farm. Today, the organization has not only created a hub for agricultural innovation, but they have actively engaged 141 farmers in the project, with hopes to increase this number to 240, predominantly women and girls, by the project's conclusion. This marks a crucial step towards empowering women in agriculture, a core mission of Rockflower.

Training and Capacity Building

woman collecting rice in ghana

A key aspect of the project's success is the comprehensive training provided to farmers. Hands-on training in SRI and good agronomic practices has been instrumental in enhancing the farmers' expertise in rice cultivation. In addition to providing education on efficient farming practices, workshops on networking with financial institutions, farm management techniques, and entrepreneurial development have equipped beneficiaries with the skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector.

The journey hasn't been without challenges. High costs of farming tools and equipment were significant barriers. However, farmers have creatively formed cooperatives, pooling resources to gain financial assistance from banks. Moreover, overcoming issues like irregular meeting attendance through recorded sessions and one-on-one interactions has showcased OARDEP’s adaptability and commitment to its goals.

Inspiring Stories of Change

The real impact of the SRI project is best illustrated through the stories of its beneficiaries:

  • Madam Osei Rose: Once reliant on chemical fertilizers, she now embraces organic methods, thanks to the SRI project. Her shift to natural fertilizer has significantly improved her farm's yield and soil quality.

  • Ms. Vera Francisca: Benefiting from the entrepreneurial training, she has effectively planned her farming activities, improving both her family's livelihood and her ability to manage resources sustainably.

  • Mrs. Bovake Gifty: A livestock farmer turned rice cultivator, she successfully integrated organic farming practices, using livestock waste as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. This shift has not only cut costs but also expanded her rice fields.

  • Madam Nana Ama: Her journey with SRI led to a remarkable increase in rice yield, breaking stereotypes and empowering her to share her experiences with other farmers.

Rockflower’s partnership with OARDEP in the SRI project is more than an agricultural initiative; it’s a movement towards sustainable farming, women empowerment, and community development. The stories of Madam Rose, Ms. Francisca, Mrs. Gifty, and Madam Ama are just a few examples of how strategic collaborations can create ripples of positive change, transforming lives and landscapes.