DR. KWAA
Crops: plantain, cocoa, cocoyam, cassava, maize, beans, cabbage and carrots
The HGBF | CNTA educates farmers across Ghana and around the world on the principles of conservation agriculture (CA) . A central outcome for farmers who adopt this practice is food security as the result of year-round growing potential and increased yields.
Dr. Kwaa operates a thriving family practice clinic located outside of Kumasi, Ghana. He offers the following description of himself; “I’m a medical officer, and I’m a no-till farmer.” He is a strong proponent of CA as a means for families to achieve a nutritionally balanced diet.
“Because of no-till, people have more food now, and they have variety too," explained Dr. Kwaa. “And, they are able to make more money to buy whatever they haven’t grown themselves.”
Higher disposable incomes create the opportunity for families to access foods such as animal protein, fruits and vegetables that are rich in micronutrients.
Through his practice, Dr. Kwaa treats a wide range of patients–from expectant mothers and their infants to the elderly. Dr. Kwaa encourages his patients to eat a healthy diet. “You need a balanced plate of food, cereals and proteins so the body gets all that’s required for growth and proper performance.”
Various crops can be successfully grown and sustained in difficult climate conditions using CA principles. Families have access to balanced diets, and farmers can manage their risk and have salable produce year-round. Dr. Kwaa describes this impact, “No-till is important to the community because it reduces the requirement in labor, and also reduces the requirement in water that is necessary for the growth of the plant–and increases yields; that also supports family nutrition.”
*Based on HGBF | CNTA Data, 2016