Akim Oda Project

Project Title:
Combating Drought and Biodiversity Loss through Sustainable Agricultural Practices in the Birim Region
Implementing Organization:
Green Land Nkyirimma Organization (GLANO)
Project Location:
Akim Oda, Birim Region, Ghana
Background:
The Birim Region of Ghana, particularly Akim Oda, is currently experiencing severe environmental degradation,
drought, and biodiversity loss due to illegal mining activities. The Birim River, originating from the Atewa Forest in the eastern region of Ghana, covers an area of approximately 9,000 km² and serves around 1.5 million people, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and other domestic purposes. The river supports various farming activities, including crop production and livestock rearing. Excess soil from mining
sites has led to river desiccation, resulting in the extinction of various aquatic species and endangering the livelihoods
of local farmers who are dependent on the river for farming activities.
The Greenland Nkyirimma Organization, in collaboration with Arocha Ghana, aims to address these pressing
challenges through a comprehensive environmental awareness seminar and support for sustainable agricultural
practices. The initiative will promote methods that enhance crop production while preserving biodiversity, thereby
encouraging farmers and landowners to avoid selling their lands for illegal mining activities.

Objectives:

1. Raise awareness among local farmers, miners, and landowners about the detrimental effects of illegal
   mining on the environment and agricultural productivity, as well as the long-term financial challenges they may face after seeing their lands for mining activities.
2. Provide training on sustainable agricultural practices to promote economic growth and environmental
   preservation.
3. Collaborate with mining experts to educate miners on sustainable mining techniques that balance gold
   extraction with biodiversity conservation.
4. Facilitate collaboration between various stakeholders to support farmers with resources, funding, and training opportunities.
5. Prevent further drought and biodiversity loss in the Birim Region by promoting sustainable land use practices.

ACTIVITIES :

1. Environmental Awareness Seminar (First Week of September 2025):

-Partnering with the Paramount Chief of Akim Oda to mobilize cocoa farmers, miners, and landowners.
-Engaging the Cocoa Board’s Anti-Galamsey Unit to educate participants about the IMPACT OF illegal mining on cocoa production.
-Collaboration with Arocha Ghana and Ghana Youth Biodiversity Network to provide insights on COP16 and local farmers’ benefits.
-Training miners in sustainable mining practices with support from experts at Newmont Ghana and the mineral commission.

2. Guidance and Support Program (1 to 2 years):

o Providing mentorship and resources to farmers, landowners, and miners for implementing sustainable
practices.
o Facilitating access to funding and other opportunities for sustainable farming activities.
o Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implemented practices.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Enhanced knowledge and skills of farmers, miners, and landowners in sustainable land use and agricultural
   practices.
2. Increased crop yield through sustainable farming methods.
3. Reduced dependency on illegal mining as an economic activity.
4. Improved collaboration between stakeholders, leading to better resource management and biodiversity
   conservation.
5. Prevention of drought and biodiversity loss in the Birim Region.
   Partners and Collaborators:
    Paramount Chief of Akim Oda
    Cocoa Board (Anti-Galamsey Desk Unit)
    Arocha Ghana
    Ghana Youth Biodiversity Network
    Birim Central Municipal Assembly
    Mineral Commission of Ghana
    Newmont Ghana

Where we are now:

The project is already underway, and we have begun bringing all our stakeholders together and forming environmental clubs in various primary and high schools within the Birim Region. These clubs serve as inclusive platforms where young people—many of whom come from communities directly impacted by drought, pollution, and biodiversity loss—can voice their concerns, share ideas, and take action. By involving students from an early age, we are fostering environmental awareness and responsibility while ensuring that all individuals affected by these challenges are heard and represented. These youth-led clubs are not only spaces for education and dialogue but also act as local champions for sustainable agriculture and conservation practices. Through school-based initiatives, we aim to build a generation of informed and empowered changemakers who can carry forward the project’s impact long after its initial implementation.

Duration:
(1 to 2 years)
+233 598954723 nkyirimma.org
+233 598954723 Green Land Nkyirimma Organisation
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info@nkyirimma.org