Take Best Practices to Farmers in Rural Ghana

Abass Kwarteng, 33, completed high school in 2007 but was unable to go further as his mother, a single parent, could not marshal the needed financial resources.  Due to his low level of education he could not secure himself any reliable employment. He moved from one menial job to another.  He had a vision of becoming self-employed but he had limited ideas and funds.

In March 2013, Abass enrolled at the Frances and Virginia Young Adults Training Center to broaden his knowledge and skills in mushroom production. He completed his training in June and immediately acquired a parcel of land to start mushroom farming in his village. Using local materials Abass has constructed inoculation and incubation rooms, a composting floor, and a cropping house.

Currently Abass has one employee, Ahmed Mahmud who is 26 and a basic school graduate. Mahmud believes that a day spent at the center keeps him out of trouble and on a path to success.

In September 2013 SHI granted a loan of $250 to Abass for the purchase of spores, plastic bags, and other materials for the initial production.

Abass says there is a ready market for mushrooms. He plans to sell to hotels and restaurants in Kumasi and its surroundings.

Thanks for your kindness and consistent support. Your help has made it possible for Abass and other young men like him to find success.

The first class began at the Ghana Training Center for Young Farmers in March with 21 trainees who received technical and hands-on training in an effort to increase income.

The trainees learned about the care and managment of poultry. The next training session will include rabbits.

Trainees are currently digging and cementing a surface for a mushroom shed. Basic training began with Robert Arthur, mushroom specialist, to develop compost for mushrooms.

Students told the staff of Self-Help they are satisfied with the performance of the instructors and are happy to be part of the training. There is a great deal of enthusiasm about the possibilities training will offer each of them for their future.

Your support of the Ghana Training Center for Young Farmers have made these classes and opportunities possible. Thank you for your generosity.

Links:

• Self-Help International