Farmers and Farmer-Based Organisations (FBOs) in the Bono Region have commended the Government, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) and the World Bank for the timely distribution of improved cashew and coconut seedlings under the Tree Crops Diversification Project (TCDP).
The farmers said the timely arrival of the seedlings had come as a major boost to their farming activities, particularly because it would enable them to establish their farms during the appropriate planting period and give the young trees sufficient time to develop before the onset of the dry Harmattan season.
The farmers expressed their appreciation during a Farmer Field School engagement organised as part of the TCDP at Wenchi in the Bono Region on August 31, 2026.
They said the availability of improved planting materials at the right time was critical to the success of tree crop farming, stressing that delays in the supply of seedlings could affect farm establishment and ultimately undermine efforts to increase productivity.
Practical training
The engagement, however, went beyond the distribution of seedlings, as participating farmers were taken through practical training designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to establish and manage productive and sustainable tree crop farms.
The training covered Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs), appropriate spacing of seedlings, farm establishment techniques, agroforestry and climate-smart farming practices.
The farmers were also guided on how to properly establish their farms to enhance the survival and healthy growth of the seedlings.
The emphasis on practical field training forms part of the TCDP’s approach to ensuring that farmers do not only receive improved planting materials but also have the technical capacity to manage them effectively.
Timely intervention
The farmers said the timely distribution of the seedlings would give them a better opportunity to take advantage of the current planting window.
They explained that establishing tree crops at the appropriate time was particularly important because the early stages of growth required adequate moisture for the seedlings to survive and become properly established.
According to them, the intervention would help encourage more farmers to venture into or expand tree crop production while contributing to the diversification of agricultural activities in the region.
They therefore called for continued technical assistance and follow-up support to ensure that the seedlings distributed were properly planted, maintained and protected.
Wider reach
The exercise forms part of a wider seedling distribution programme being implemented under the TCDP.
The programme has so far reached farmers in a number of districts, including Wenchi and Tain in the Bono Region, as well as Techiman, Upper West Akim and Suhum.
The distribution of improved cashew and coconut seedlings is aimed at supporting the development and diversification of Ghana’s tree crop sector and creating opportunities for farmers to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Follow-up support
The TCDP says the delivery of seedlings is only the beginning of the support being provided to farmers.
The project places emphasis on practical training and follow-up engagement to help farmers establish their farms properly and adopt improved farming practices.
Through the Farmer Field School approach, farmers are exposed to practical knowledge that they can apply directly on their farms, including appropriate planting methods, spacing, agroforestry and climate-smart agricultural practices.
The approach is expected to strengthen farmers’ capacity to manage tree crops sustainably while improving the long-term productivity of their farms.
Partnership
The Tree Crops Diversification Project is being implemented by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) with support from the World Bank.
The project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s tree crop sector through improved planting materials, farmer capacity building and sustainable agricultural practices.
The collaboration between the Government, TCDA and the World Bank is expected to support the expansion and diversification of tree crop production while contributing to improved farm productivity and resilience.
For the farmers in Wenchi and other beneficiary communities, the timely delivery of the seedlings represents an important first step.
They believe that with continued technical guidance, proper farm management and regular follow-up support, the improved seedlings can translate into productive tree crop farms and sustainable livelihoods.
Our Tree Crops, Our Future.
