sustainable agriculture

Read more about the article Pesticide Without Poison: How Farmers Are Turning to Natural Solutions – Case Study of GetCare Foundation’s FAHAP Farmers

Pesticide Without Poison: How Farmers Are Turning to Natural Solutions – Case Study of GetCare Foundation’s FAHAP Farmers

Across rural Ghana, smallholder farmers have long relied on synthetic pesticides and herbicides to protect their crops. While these inputs provide short-term relief from pests, global evidence increasingly shows that they can also degrade soils, contaminate water sources, and pose health risks when misused. According to the FAO, over 30% of pesticides used in low-income countries are estimated to be counterfeited or improperly labeled, heightening the risk of toxicity among farmers and consumers. At the same time, the World Bank reports that poor pesticide handling contributes to nearly 300,000 acute poisoning deaths annually, with smallholder farmers the most vulnerable. In response, GetCare Foundation—through the Farming Against Hunger and Poverty (FAHAP) Program—is championing a safer, more sustainable alternative: organic pest management.

Continue ReadingPesticide Without Poison: How Farmers Are Turning to Natural Solutions – Case Study of GetCare Foundation’s FAHAP Farmers
Read more about the article Healthy Harvests: Why Organic Crops Earn More in Local and International Markets

Healthy Harvests: Why Organic Crops Earn More in Local and International Markets

Across Ghana and much of West Africa, conversations about farm profitability often begin and end with yield. Yet a growing body of evidence shows that competitiveness in today’s markets is shaped not only by how much farmers produce, but how they produce it. As global demand for safe, nutritious, and sustainably grown foods rises, organic agriculture is quickly becoming one of the most valuable pathways for farmer income growth. According to FAO (2023), the global organic food market is expanding at an annual rate of 8–10%, driven by consumers who are increasingly concerned about chemical residues, environmental degradation, and long-term health impacts.

Continue ReadingHealthy Harvests: Why Organic Crops Earn More in Local and International Markets
Read more about the article Prioritizing Soil Testing in Farming: A Lever for Agricultural Productivity Improvement

Prioritizing Soil Testing in Farming: A Lever for Agricultural Productivity Improvement

Healthy soils are the foundation of productive agriculture, yet many farmers continue to plant without knowing the true condition of their soils. This guesswork often results in low yields, nutrient deficiencies, poor crop performance, and unnecessary input costs. Prioritizing soil testing is one of the most effective and affordable steps farmers can take to improve productivity and long-term soil health. At GetCare Foundation, our extension officers regularly find that many farmlands suffer from nutrient depletion caused by continuous cropping, bush burning, and improper fertilizer use. Soil testing provides farmers with accurate information on soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrient levels—enabling them to apply the right fertilizers, at the right rate, and at the right time.

Continue ReadingPrioritizing Soil Testing in Farming: A Lever for Agricultural Productivity Improvement
Read more about the article The Downside Effects of Inorganic Chemicals in Farming and the Implications on West Africa’s Food Security

The Downside Effects of Inorganic Chemicals in Farming and the Implications on West Africa’s Food Security

West Africa has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, projected to reach over 540 million people by 2050 (UN DESA). Ensuring reliable, affordable, and nutritious food for this expanding population remains a critical challenge. For decades, governments and development partners have promoted inorganic agrochemicals—synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides—as the quickest pathway to boost yields, close food deficits, and modernize agriculture.

Continue ReadingThe Downside Effects of Inorganic Chemicals in Farming and the Implications on West Africa’s Food Security