Akomadan: The European Union (EU) funded Landscape and Environmental Agility Across the Nation (LEAN) project has provided alternative livelihood empowerment support to some communities in Bono East and Ashanti Regions. The initiative aims to enhance socio-economic conditions through sustainable practices.
According to Ghana News Agency, the EcoCare and TropenBos Ghana, non-governmental organisations and facilitators of the EU-funded LEAN project, handed over livestock production, fish, and crop farming initiatives to the Landscape Management Boards (LMBs) set up in the beneficiary communities of Nkoranza and Techiman in Bono East and Akumadan in the Offinso North District of the Ashanti Regions. During a ceremony held at Akomadan, the project also introduced the ‘Village and Savings Loans Association’ initiative to local communities.
Mr. Enock Danso Okyere, a representative of EcoCare Ghana, explained that the project implementation focused on establishing a governance structure to monitor and report on en
suring the project’s sustainability. This governance structure encourages the beneficiary communities to adopt an integrated landscape management approach for optimum benefits.
The project also aims to promote ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, governance, and livelihood enhancements. It has provided seed funding to guarantee its sustainability and supported communities with beehives, snails, piggery, and other small ruminants to scale up additional livelihood interventions. Furthermore, more than 80 community volunteers have been trained on using a real-time monitoring app to report on project implementation, reinforcing the project’s commitment to improving livelihood empowerment.
Nana Ameyaw Yeboah II, a representative from the Nkoranza Traditional Area and Chairman of the LMB, commended the project implementers. He noted that the project had planted more than 200,000 trees of different species to promote an ecosystem in the operational areas. He added that the livestock production and crop farming
modules of the project are significantly impacting socio-economic livelihoods, helping in poverty reduction and job creation in the communities.
