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Tamale, Ghana – As part of the implementation of its Eco School Project, Walewale based Centre for Ecological Agriculture and Livelihood (CEAL) has organised a one-day sensitisation and training program for selected basic school pupils and teachers in the West Mamprusi District of the North East Region.
Under the ESP project, teachers and pupils are expected to be equipped with basic knowledge on how to prepare organic fertilizer.
The Walewale training program brought together 40 teachers and 40 pupils where they received practical knowledge on how to prepare liquid organic fertilizers from human urine and other biological sources for agriculture purposes.
Both teachers and pupils were taken through the processes to formulate or prepare liquid organic fertilizer which includes urine collection, storage, application and the necessary safety/hygienic measures required for a successful implementation.
Participants also received knowledge in rich compost making and how to prepare compost tea as liquid fertilizers.
According to Executive Director of CEAL, Issifu Sulemana Jobila, both teachers and pupils are expected to share their knowledge in fertilizer preparation with their colleagues back in their schools “in order to create awareness of how organic fertilizers can easily be prepared from biodegradable wastes.”
Game Changer
He noted that, empowering farmers through their kids is a very novel initiative the organization is adopting since it was founded few years ago.
“Schools are about to vacate and children are expected to return and stay at home to help their parents in their farming activities until schools resume. These kids will help their parents to prepare these efficient but cheap liquid fertilizers. Through this initiative, parents are able to safe monies, avoid chemical fertilizers to safe our environment and also the children are able to showcase their value addition and talents as we struggle against climate change.”
He added: “This also triggers innovation, practical learning, inspire kids to become future environmentalist and climate activists, agricultural entrepreneurs and good citizens”.
Throwing a bit light on the ESP project, Mr. Jobila explained that “it is modelled as part of our local community development agenda, to support our local communities and their basic schools create a conducive (physical and learning) environment necessary for children to realize their full potential as they go through formal education.”
Caution
He however cautioned the children and teachers to remember to always observe all safety protocols when formulating the fertilizer for personal use or commercial purposes.
“Wear your protective gears such as hand gloves, nose mask and wash your hands with soap when preparing and applying your liquids fertilizers to avoid spreading of urine and compost related diseases”
The sensitisation and training program was done in collaboration with ELPG-Netherlands, Gef-SGP and the Ghana Education Service Municipal Directorate in Walewale.
By SavannahNewsOnline.Com/Philip Liebs
