For many years, cocoa farming in northern Ghana was perceived as impractical due to the region’s challenging savannah ecology and numerous obstacles, including frequent bushfires and poor soil fertility. These factors led experts in agriculture to conclude that cocoa could neither survive nor thrive in this area.
However, in the small community of Salnaa Yili, located within the Nanumba North Municipality, one farmer has successfully challenged this narrative.
Mohammed Anchela, through his determination and innovative farming techniques, has established a flourishing cocoa farm in a landscape traditionally viewed as unsuitable for this crop. His accomplishments have garnered interest from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), as well as researchers and agricultural experts who once deemed cocoa cultivation in this region unfeasible.
Mr. Anchela embarked on his cocoa farming journey in 2012, following years of challenges both abroad and in Sefwi. With a strong personal conviction and a three-acre plot of land, he set out to prove the viability of cocoa cultivation in the northern savannah. Although one acre of his farm was lost to bushfires an ever-present threat his remaining two acres have thrived exceptionally well.
In the face of these challenges, Mr. Anchela has continued to develop his farm using adaptive methods tailored to the local environment. His success stands as a powerful testament to innovation and resilience in agriculture.
COCOBOD Takes Notice
The recent success of Mohammed Anchela’s farm attracted a high-level delegation from COCOBOD, led by its Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The team visited the farm to evaluate the progress made, learn from the farmer’s methods, and understand the factors contributing to the impressive performance of the cocoa trees.
During the visit, retired agricultural officer, Ali Dasana. highlighted how many experts had long underestimated the potential of cocoa in the northern belt. Observing mature cocoa trees thriving in the Bimbilla region, he noted that this sight had changed long-held perceptions within the agricultural community. “Today, we are here in our municipality, showcasing cocoa plants, the cocoa harvest, and the possible revenue for families. We are highly impressed.
Our innovative farmers have demonstrated the need for collaboration among farmers, as we all need to have something in our pockets. With cocoa being the backbone of Ghana’s economy, it encourages all farmers,” he revealed.
He expressed optimism that this breakthrough could inspire more farmers to consider cocoa as an alternative or supplementary cash crop, especially as research increasingly indicates that certain soils and microclimates in the north can support cocoa cultivation.
A Symbol of Innovation and Hope
Mohammed Anchela’s story is one of determination and change. He faced many struggles before he began to grow cocoa. He once thought about leaving his home to find safety and job opportunities. However, he decided to return home and follow a new path that he hoped would provide stability for himself and his family in the future.
His journey shows how farming can improve lives, even when faced with difficulties. It also highlights how important individual farmers are in trying new ideas and expanding what is possible in Ghana’s agriculture.
Commitment to Support and Protect the Farm
COCOBOD’s Deputy CEO, Dr. Francis Baah, commended a local farmer for his innovative contributions, describing the farm as an exceptional example of progress in Ghana’s cocoa sector. He announced plans to assemble a technical team to conduct thorough environmental and species assessments, aimed at guiding future initiatives.
Dr. Baah underscored the importance of fostering stronger community collaboration to safeguard farms against bushfires, which he identified as the primary threat to sustainable cocoa cultivation in the region. He emphasized the necessity for a renewed commitment to responsible land-use practices, noting that a single uncontrolled fire could compromise years of advancement.
“We intend to form a dedicated team to carry out these assessments,” Dr. Baah stated. “It is essential to consider the long-term potential of the land rather than focusing solely on immediate outcomes. Our team will conduct comprehensive environmental and species evaluations to address these pressing challenges.”
He acknowledged the complexities involved in this endeavor, drawing on his extensive experience working with scientists. “Collaboration is crucial in this field. By examining various planting strategies, we can better understand which approaches yield superior results. This farm represents a distinctive and commendable approach to cocoa cultivation in a region that has seen limited growth. It is imperative that government support for cocoa farming is prioritized, as farmers are often the driving force behind innovation.”
In addition to these efforts, COCOBOD has committed to providing resources to support the farmer, including a personal donation of a motorbike and plans to enhance the farm’s infrastructure. Dr. Baah also indicated long-term intentions to offer housing support for the farmer, acknowledging his pioneering contributions to the industry.
A New Chapter for Cocoa in the North
The remarkable success of cocoa cultivation in Salnaa Yili has sparked considerable interest in the potential for expanding cocoa farming throughout the northern region. While there are significant challenges to address particularly in the areas of bushfire management, climate variability, and resource availability this breakthrough offers a renewed sense of optimism for the future.
Mohammed Anchela’s achievement stands as more than just a notable farming milestone; it represents a transformative shift in perspective, highlighting that innovation can emerge from unexpected sources. His experience has the potential to inspire a new generation of farmers in the northern region to rethink the possibilities for their land.
As experts and policymakers turn their attention to the agricultural potential of northern Ghana, it is evident that the narrative surrounding cocoa cultivation in the savannah has evolved, largely due to one farmer’s determination to innovate.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Noah Nash Hoenyefia
