The Iseguri Initiative, a not-for-profit organisation, promoting sustainable agriculture, has intensified efforts to improve food security and environmental sustainability in the Oti Region, through climate-smart farming and agroforestry interventions.
The Initiative has therefore partnered with the Ho Technical University (HTU) and received a donation of 135 high-yielding drought resistant seedlings, made up of dwarf coconut, mango, baobab and orange trees.
The donation, supported by Eva Lydeking and The Trees That Feed Foundation, forms part of efforts to promote agroforestry and improve nutrition, particularly among women and children in beneficiary communities.
Professor Kenneth Fafa Egbadzor, the Director of Research and Innovation at Ho Technical University (HTU), who donated the 135 improved seedlings, said it aimed to boost and promote sustainable agriculture and intensified efforts towards enhancing food security and environmental sustainability.
Prof. Egbadzor and his team had undertaken research in agriculture; plant genetics, breeding and biodiversity and produced early as well as high-yielding drought resistant seedlings capable of withstanding climate change.
He appealed to institutions and individuals to patronize its research works as a catalyst against environmental degradation and food insecurity.
After receiving the seedlings, Mr Raymond Buami, the Project Coordinator of the Iseguri Initiative, described the support as a significant investment in the future of farming communities in the Oti Region.
He disclosed that the organisation had been implementing conservation agriculture programmes in the Kadjebi District and Nkwanta South Municipality, equipping farmers with practical skills in regenerative farming practices to improve soil fertility, increase crop productivity and enhance resilience to climate change.
“Through community-based training, demonstrations and awareness campaigns, the Initiative has encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that restore degraded lands while improving household livelihoods,” he said.
He said integrating fruit and indigenous trees into farming systems would help improve food security, diversify household incomes and contribute to environmental conservation.
Mr Buami thanked the Ho Technical University and the project’s donors for the support and pledged the organisation’s commitment to nurturing the seedlings to ensure their survival through the dry season.
“We are committed to ensuring that every seedling planted survives and grows into a lasting asset for our communities. These trees represent hope, improved nutrition, environmental restoration, and sustainable livelihoods for future generations,” he said.
He noted that the Initiative would continue working with farmers, traditional authorities, development partners and other stakeholders to expand climate-smart agriculture across the Oti Region.
Mr Buami called on individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, restore degraded landscapes and strengthen community resilience to climate change.
He said the Initiative remained committed to empowering rural communities through innovative agricultural practices capable of improving livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations.
By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA