Agriculture Training

Our Agriculture Training and Savings Groups teams in West Africa are working to identify leadership potential in their program participants. Join us as we pray for the wisdom to identify the characteristics they need to lead well. Pray we will find individuals who want to grow and empower others in their communities through teaching and sharing.

We ask God to bless the farmers and their crops with adequate rain and protection against pests and disease. We pray that the farmers continue using best practices and turn excellent yields.

“Excitement” has been the main word used to describe nearly everything that’s going on in Ghana as of late. Savings Group members are seeing excellent results and conservation agriculture methods are making strides in the communities. We give God all the glory for this success, and thank him for the blessings He has given community members and Just Hope Field Officers. We pray that plots and groups continue to flourish, and that the groups maintain a positive outlook even when challenges arise throughout the season.

The Nukware Savings Group in Ghana completed their first annual cycle this past week, with 29 members receiving their share of the social fund at a 17% return on investment. The first cycle was challenging for this group, as they had six loans default. Though the group is pleased with their results, they still need support from Just Hope Field Officers, and we pray that they will not be discouraged. As they begin a second cycle of saving and loaning, we ask God to grant them wisdom as they make decisions about allocating loans.

Savings Groups in Ghana are showing fantastic results in growing their financial capacity. One in particular, the Odo group from Yaw Edipa, gave nine loans totaling $1,325 during their monthly loan meeting. Though the amount doesn’t seem like much, consider that the average wage in Ghana is less than $4 per day – this truly shows the “impact that lasts” on farmers, families and local entrepreneurs. We thank God for the success of this opportunity and ask Him to continue to guide the Savings Groups as they prosper.

The group in Ghana is working hard as the first rains are now starting. They are pushing to prepare and plant model plots while working with Abu Rabo to bring in the yield from his compost. Abu has taken the lead in this “harvesting” process. We pray that the model plots are successful and ask God to watch over the team and the farmers who are bravely testing different agricultural techniques.

Pastor Sullay has begun working with a Muslim Imam, Sheik Abass Kamara, from his community. Together, they have planted near a swamp and they are working together to learn – not only about farming techniques – but also about how two people can cross religious barriers to make a difference. We pray that Pastor Sullay and Sheik Abass continue their work together and that God blesses their efforts.

The dry season in Ghana is coming to an end and with that will come the rains and the beginning of the first planting season. David Dyer has informed us that the team is gearing up for the preparation of model plots for planting. The goal is to increase the current number of model plots, reflecting the desire of more Savings Groups to be involved in Just Hope’s agriculture training. We pray that God will guide our team as they prepare, and bless the Savings Group members as they seek financial success through agriculture and business.

The team is seeing some water deficiencies on the banana plantation of Mr. Abu Rabu. Though this is to be expected as the dry season ends, the coming rains should boost banana development. We ask God for a smooth transition and a healthy, abundant harvest.

We pray for our team in Ghana as they actively seek to build trust and develop deeper relationships, as well as identify community leaders. We pray that God will lead our team to the right people and communities.

We pray for prosperous demonstration plots, and for farmers to be open to trying methods that are new to them.