Dry Season Farming

“Through this grant, I have been able to expand my farm, produce more food and make a profit. I sponsored my brother’s college education and then spent the rest of my profits on my building project. Before, my family and I could barely eat a proper, balanced meal, but now we’re healthier because we eat from the rich vegetables that I farm.” 

Thomas Nangtege, pepper grower

The root of many of the challenges facing the people of Upper West Ghana is lack of food, especially during the tough five-month dry season between November and April. Hunger – people often getting just four meals a week – affects education, health, productivity and the sustainability of the whole community.

Our Dry Season Farmers project aims to break that cycle, supporting farmers to grow food even in the dry season. Since launching in 2016, we’ve supported 86 farmers on 24 farms – providing vital equipment (water pumps, pipes and fencing to keep out hippos!), along with business skills workshops, technical training to increase the yield of their farms, and ongoing mentoring. 

Something as basic as water pumps can make a huge different, with farmers reporting that easier access to water saves so much time they can now expand their farms and plant more crops, leading to more profit at the end of the season.

We are also proud to have supported our first woman dry season farmer, Shaibu Barikisu, who is breaking barriers in her community (pictured above). Partnering with her sister, Barikisu cultivates two acres, growing maize, cabbage, cucumber, green peppers, cassava and chilli peppers. Married with five children, this extra income helps her and her husband provide for their family – and ensures they support their children through school.