Bert Smit, CEO of ADRA-UK, recently paid a visit to Ghana – home of our recent BAAT (Bono Asante Atea) Project. This project, co-funded by the European Commission and ADRA-UK, will assist cashew nut farmers in the cashew belt of Ghana.
The cashew nut has risen to become the second largest foreign exchange earner and export crop for Ghana. With this in mind we wanted to aid ADRA Ghana in helping improve the livelihoods of the rural population of Ejura Sekyedumase District, Wenchi, Sampa, Nkoranza North and Tain District by providing the knowledge and skills required to help the beneficiaries reduce poverty and enhance their food security.
ADRA-UK wanted to identify that training in cashew nut farming provided a way to build a sustainable future for farmers. As one of the stakeholders, Hon. Dr. Prince Kwaykye Afriyie, pointed out "farmers can make more money with Cashew nut farming especially if they have a great cashew farming business plan. The most important thing is to stick to tried and tested cashew farming tips."
The BAAT Project will benefit 7,500 individuals – (farmers, transporters, and exporters), training 6000 nut collectors within 3 years. Knowledge gained will lead to an increase in income of around 30% for farmers, increase in employment within the cashew nut sector and knowledge on climate change. This is especially true for women and the youth for whom employment opportunities abound in the cashew value chain from farm activities from cashew production, input supply, financial service provision, trading, to processing.
ADRA-UK’s mission, to work with people in poverty and distress helping them build the foundations for lasting change can also be closely linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and this project is no different. With BAAT we will achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1 (no poverty), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 17 (partnerships for the goals).