Over a period of 18 months, Landsforeningen for Økosamfund (LØS) and Kumasi Institute of Tropical Agriculture (KITA) are working together on the project “Cultivating Collective Power – Empowering Farmers through Cooperative Development and Evidence-Based Advocacy.” The project aims to strengthen marginalized smallholder vegetable farmers in Offinso North District, Ghana, by organizing them into a legally registered cooperative, improving their livelihoods, and increasing their influence in agricultural decision-making through capacity building, climate-smart practices and advocacy.

What the project will do:

• Bring together at least 250 smallholder vegetable farmers (with a strong focus on women and youth) into a structured and legally registered cooperative.
• Provide training in cooperative governance, leadership, financial management, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness skills.
• Establish climate-resilient demonstration farms that serve as practical learning hubs and tools for evidence-based advocacy.
• Develop collective marketing systems, improve market access, and strengthen farmers’ bargaining power through joint sales and buyer linkages.
• Facilitate structured dialogue between farmers, local authorities, and other stakeholders to promote evidence-based advocacy and stronger civic participation.

Why the project matters

The project addresses the structural challenges faced by smallholder vegetable farmers in Ghana, including weak organization, limited market access, climate vulnerability, and a lack of representation in decision-making processes. By combining cooperative development, livelihood improvement, and civic engagement, the project addresses the root causes of economic insecurity and political marginalization.

Through strengthening both economic capacity and civic voice, the project transforms farmers from isolated producers into organized, resilient, and politically visible actors. This not only improves incomes and food security in the short term but also builds a sustainable foundation for long-term development, stronger local institutions, and more inclusive agricultural policies.