Atiavi-Glime farmers receive training in agro-forestry

Atiavi-Glime (V/R), Aug 20, GNA - Farmers at Atiavi-Glime in the Keta District of the Volta Region have been sensitised about the need to integrate nitrogen-fixing trees on their farms and undertake tree planting activities to improve their environment and livelihood.

The training highlighted the importance of tree species suitable for agro-forestry, seed treatment, nursery management and seedling protection, as well as alternative livelihood training such as bee-keeping, snail farming and improved farming practices.

Tree for the Future and Save Our Soil Organisation, both non-governmental organisations based in the United States, sponsored the programme.

Mr Lovans Owusu Takyi, Country Programme Coordinator for Trees for the Future, urged the participants to take action to restore their degrading environment, practice good agro-forestry and plant sustainable fast growing trees on their farms.

The Director of Save Our Soil Organisation, Mr Winfred Habada, said his organisation had planted 5,000 seedlings of cassia manduim at Atiavi and constructed a nursery of about 10,000 seedlings of moringa, leuceana, cassia, semea and albizia to be distributed to the farmers in the area.

Mr Derick Burke, American Peace Peace Corps Volunteer in the area, provided technical support to the people to help them improve their environment and standard of living through community self-help initiatives.

He thanked Trees for the Future for providing agro-forestry seeds and tools to help in nursery management and transplanting in the community.

The Development Queenmother of Atiavi-Glime village, Mama Dunyenyo I, who is also known as Dr Dashanaba King, a US citizen, expressed appreciation to the Tree for the Future and Save Our Soil organisations for their collaborative efforts in helping to improve the environment and the livelihood of the people.

She called on other NGOs and the government to come to the aid of the people in the community, adding that the inhabitants are hard working but lack resources to develop.

She later donated used clothing and other items to the children in the area.