Take Best Practices to Farmers in Rural Ghana

In the rural community of Kogri in Ghana’s Upper West Region,  50-year-old farmer Sulemana is building a more secure and hopeful future for his family of seven children, thanks to your support.

Just a few years ago, Sulemana struggled to make ends meet. Farming on small plots with limited resources, his harvests were low, and food was not always guaranteed at home. But in 2022, everything began to change when he joined Self-Help International’s Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development (AED) Program.

With his first loan of GHS 1,500 (about $120), Sulemana invested in farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizer and cultivated one acre of maize. That season, he harvested 8 bags (approximately 3086 lbs), a significant improvement from previous years. For the first time, he could keep enough maize to feed his family and still have some to sell.

After successfully repaying his first loan, Sulemana accessed a second loan of GHS 3,000 (about $240). This time, he expanded into sorghum farming on 10 acres. His hard work paid off; he harvested 43 bags (approximately 4960 lbs) of sorghum, which he sold to local companies.

But Sulemana’s success is not only about loans; it is about knowledge. Through SHI’s training, he learned improved agronomic practices, helping him increase yields and manage his farm more effectively.

Today, Sulemana’s life looks very different: his family now enjoys consistent food on the table, stores maize for home consumption, and earns income from selling sorghum. He was even able to build a house for his family.

Sulemana shares, “The training and support I received have made me a better farmer and a better person. There is always food at home now.”

Your support made this transformation possible. When there was little hope, you stepped in and helped Sulemana turn his hard work into lasting change.

With deep gratitude, Sulemana simply says, "Barika (thank you).”