Optimizing Farming Systems for Sustainable Intensification in Savulgu, Northern Ghana

Introduction 

A recent field visit to the Duko and Tindan villages of Savulgu District in Northern Ghana aimed to gather baseline data to support the development of an optimizing tool that can help smallholder farmers optimize their mixed farming systems for sustainable intensification. Smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana face a variety of challenges, including climate variability, low crop productivity, and declining soil fertility. These interconnected issues require a holistic approach that considers the entire farming system. Our objective was to collect comprehensive data that would inform the development of climate-smart farms, ultimately leading to increased food production, environmental protection, and improved livelihoods for rural communities.

To achieve our goals, we adopted the optimizing tool, a systems-based approach that recognizes farming systems as complex ecosystems. This approach involves looking beyond individual components and considering the interactions between different elements of the farming system, helping farmers make informed decisions about land use and resource management. By analyzing baseline information and simulating various scenarios, an optimizing tool such as FarmDesign can suggest ways to increase crop yields, protect soil organic matter, and enhance income and food nutrition without harming the environment.

During our field visit, we conducted a comprehensive household survey to gather baseline data. The survey collects a range of data, including information on land use, crop and livestock production, resource management practices, and socioeconomic factors. The collected data will serve as the foundation for our optimization model, helping us measure progress and tailor interventions to the specific needs of different farmer groups. Farmers were categorized into low, medium, and high resource groups through a participatory approach involving community members to ensure representation and tailor our interventions effectively.