From the Field Optimizing Farming Systems for Sustainable Intensification in Savulgu, Northern Ghana

Introduction 

A recent field visit to the Duko and Tindan villages of Savulgu District in Northern Ghana aimed to gather baseline data to support the development of an optimizing tool that can help smallholder farmers optimize their mixed farming systems for sustainable intensification. Smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana face a variety of challenges, including climate variability, low crop productivity, and declining soil fertility. These interconnected issues require a holistic approach that considers the entire farming system. Our objective was to collect comprehensive data that would inform the development of climate-smart farms, ultimately leading to increased food production, environmental protection, and improved livelihoods for rural communities. 

To achieve our goals, we adopted the optimizing tool, a systems-based approach that recognizes farming systems as complex ecosystems. This approach involves looking beyond individual components and considering the interactions between different elements of the farming system, helping farmers make informed decisions about land use and resource management. By analyzing baseline information and simulating various scenarios, an optimizing tool such as FarmDesign can suggest ways to increase crop yields, protect soil organic matter, and enhance income and food nutrition without harming the environment.  

During our field visit, we conducted a comprehensive household survey to gather baseline data. The survey collects a range of data, including information on land use, crop and livestock production, resource management practices, and socioeconomic factors. The collected data will serve as the foundation for our optimization model, helping us measure progress and tailor interventions to the specific needs of different farmer groups. Farmers were categorized into low, medium, and high resource groups through a participatory approach involving community members to ensure representation and tailor our interventions effectively. 

Focus Area:  

The insights gained from the baseline data collection exercise will be used to inform the development of the farm design tool. We have found that most farmers are primarily focused on increasing yields and income, while also expressing interest in improving soil health and nutrition. By combining the advanced modeling capabilities of the tool with the on-the-ground insights gathered during the field visits, we aim to develop practical solutions that empower farmers to adopt more sustainable and productive farming practices. These solutions will be designed to boost farmers' profits, improve soil health, and enhance nutrition, ultimately creating climate-smart farms that protect the environment and improve the lives of rural communities. 

Next Steps: 

The next steps for us involve using the baseline data to model different farming scenarios and identify the best cloud of solutions for sustainable intensification. These solutions will then be shared with the farmers for their feedback, ensuring that the final recommendations are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the local community. We are committed to an iterative, collaborative approach that empowers smallholder farmers to make informed decisions about their land use and resource management. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to refine our models and share our findings with the farming community and beyond!