Isaac Lartey, 46, is a farmer from Banso-Asuboi and a member of The Hunger Project (THP)-Ghana’s Kyempo Epicenter Committee. He was nominated by his community to be trained as an Agricultural Trainer of Trainers (TOTs) in 2007. Since his training, he has played a major role in educating farmers on improved agricultural practices; as a result, most of these farmers have adopted improved farming methods, including the use of high-yield planting materials, row planting, and the application of fertilizers, weedicides, pesticides and storage chemicals. Hitherto, the farmers relied on traditional farming practices and beliefs which were associated with low productivity. For example, most people believed that high-yield varieties of maize could not be stored over a long period of time; with the increased awareness-raising and field demonstrations carried out by Isaac and his colleagues, the farmers have come to realize that this was a myth. According to Isaac himself, before he was trained by THP-Ghana as an Agricultural TOT, he used to plant only the local maize.
Through Isaac’s work as an Agricultural TOT, farming is gradually being transformed and farmers are producing more and also getting an increased income from their farming activities. In narrating how he has himself benefited from the new knowledge acquired, Isaac said, “I have been able to expand my farm from two to five acres, and also remarkably increase my yield per acre. My income has also increased, which enabled me to help my wife with start-up capital to trade and we are now better able to take care of our needs and that of our children, including their education.”
Learn More
June 20, 2012
