In the north of Ghana, most people work in the agricultural sector in subsistence structures or small-scale farming and have very low incomes. Income in the agricultural sector depends not only on seasons but also on climatic fluctuations. These factors bring with them fluctuations in income stability. Nearly 68% of people living in northern Ghana live on less than €1.30 per day, and child malnutrition is as high as 40%. Employment opportunities for young people seeking work are scarce. Many families lack the money to pay for their children to go to school. In some cases, school attendance is temporary, depending on the fluctuating income of the parents. Together with the Amediewu Honey Foundation and the support of the Schmitz Foundation, we were able to finance a beekeeping training course for 30 participants in Congo, a small community not far from the border with Burkina Faso. This training offers a new opportunity for business start-ups and economic growth in the agricultural sector and thus contributes to the creation of a sustainable and permanent income for job-seekers and seasonally bound low-income small farmers.
This work thrives on the support of dedicated people. Small steps can lead to big changes and every contribution helps immensely. The extent of this support is entirely up to each individual. After all, great things can only be achieved when many hands pitch in.