FAO Trains Frontline Defenders in the Fight Against Fall Armyworm.
Building National Capacity for Integrated Pest Management Through Farmer Field Schools
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in another stride’ towards safeguarding Ghana’s agricultural productivity, has trained thirty-nine frontline agricultural officers as Farmer Field School (FFS) facilitators to combat the persistent threat of Fall Armyworm (FAW) using sustainable, farmer-led approaches.
The training was part of the FAO - China project on “Strengthening Inter-Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Management of Fall Armyworm Through South-South Cooperation.” The initiative was implemented in partnership with the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).
“Empowering frontline officers with practical, sustainable tools is central to protecting Ghana’s food systems. This training is more than capacity building, it’s about equipping communities to take ownership of solutions, reduce crop losses, and build resilience against future threats. FAO remains committed to working with national partners to support farmers through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.” Said, Priya Gujadhur, FAO Representative to Ghana
“It’s about building confidence among farmers, improving their productivity, and protecting their livelihoods for the long run,” said Mr. Godfrey Appiah Acheampong, Regional Director of Agriculture for Ashanti.
His words echo the spirit of the initiative, one rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and hope for a healthier, more resilient farming community.
The fight against FAW has been urgent, this voracious pest threatens key staple crops like maize, which feeds millions and supports local economies. Recognizing that sustainable, farmer-led solutions are essential, FAO and Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) have joined forces to build local capacity for early detection, integrated pest control, and resilient farming practices.
Empowering the Frontline Through Farmer Field Schools
The FFS model emphasizes hands-on learning, fostering a sense of ownership among farmers. Using participatory approaches, farmers learn to analyze their own fields, experiment with eco-friendly pest control methods, and make informed decisions, transforming them into proactive stewards of their land. This community-centered approach not only helps control pests but also strengthens social cohesion and confidence among farmers.
A total of 39 newly trained facilitators, 31 men and 8 women, are now ready to roll out Farmer Field Schools (FFS) across Ghana. Among them are 36 officers from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) and three agricultural extension agents from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Equipped with hands-on knowledge and tools, they aim to support over 1,000 smallholder farmers with practical, sustainable solutions to tackle Fall Armyworm (FAW). Their efforts will help strengthen farmer resilience and promote environmentally friendly pest management practices.
With their new knowledge and skills, these champions are set to transform how smallholder farmers manage pests, helping boost yields, secure food supplies, and foster resilient communities across Ghana. This milestone represents a significant step in Ghana’s ongoing fight against Fall Armyworm, driving the nation toward a future where empowered farmers and sustainable practices go hand in hand.