Funding Source: EU-Youth Mobilization Fund
Project Progress Report: Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Northern Ghana (EYCRAN Ghana)
Funding Source: EU-Youth Mobilization Fund
Implementing Organization: CARD Ghana
Project Location: Tosal Kumboni, Chereponi District, North East Region, Ghana
Reporting Period: March – May 2026
1. Project Overview
The EYCRAN Ghana project seeks to empower youth and women in Northern Ghana through climate-resilient agriculture, practical training, agri-processing, and business skills development, fostering sustainable livelihoods and food security. The project is anchored at Tosal Kumboni, where three acres of land have been secured for the establishment of the Agri Growth Estate (AGE) and demonstration farms.
2. Key Achievements
Project Initiation: The first phase successfully commenced with the procurement, transport, and delivery of essential project materials and farm inputs, including fence wire, metal poles, wheelbarrows, and other farming tools.
Stakeholder Consultation: A Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement Meeting (SCEM) was held on 5th May 2026, chaired by the District Coordinating Director, with participation from district officers, community leaders, and beneficiaries.
Beneficiary Selection: Identification and onboarding of 60 youth and women beneficiaries and 15 Community Development Agents (CDAs) for Agriculture and Food Security (AFS) were successfully completed.
Community Engagement: Agreements with community leaders ensured support for the AGE and demonstration farms through local materials and labor, fostering ownership and sustainability.
Capacity Building: Initiation of hands-on practical training in climate-smart agriculture, agri-processing, and agri-business skills to equip beneficiaries with knowledge for sustainable livelihoods.
Project Management Support: CARD provided technical and administrative support, including field visits, transport logistics, and project monitoring.
3. Challenges & Solutions
Procurement and Transportation: High transport costs and long distances were mitigated by arranging a market goods vehicle from Chereponi to Techima via Tamale, significantly reducing expenses.
Land Acquisition: Initial delays were resolved through meetings with community elders and chiefs, securing the 3-acre land for project activities.
Stakeholder Scheduling: The SCEM was postponed from 29th April to 5th May 2026 due to stakeholders’ schedules, resolved through collective agreement.
Construction Costs: While construction of the AGE and demonstration farms is costly, community contributions in labor and materials, combined with CARD’s technical and administrative support, have ensured progress without overspending.
4. Impact & Forward Plan
Practical Training: Beneficiaries will continue to receive theoretical and hands-on training, alongside business and agri-processing skills.
Demonstration Farms: The AGE and demonstration farms serve as central learning hubs, fostering regular training and sustainability beyond the project period.
Community Ownership: The collaboration between CARD, beneficiaries, and community stakeholders ensures long-term sustainability and impact.
5. Visibility & Accountability
Photos and videos from procurement, delivery, training sessions, and the SCEM have been documented and are available for donor review.
Public posts on CARD’s website and social media platforms reinforce transparency, promote accountability, and showcase EU-Youth Mobilization Fund support.
Event Media & Project Visuals: [Attach Photos & Videos Here]
6. Conclusion
The EYCRAN Ghana project demonstrates early success in establishing climate-resilient agricultural practices, fostering youth and women empowerment, and ensuring strong community engagement. The foundations laid during the initial months position the project for effective, sustainable, and measurable impact in Northern Ghana.