 |
| Up close and personal with beautiful cocoa pods |
December 3rd marked the annual Farmer's Day Holiday in Ghana. It is supposed to be the day that Ghanaians congratulate farmers and fishermen for the hard-work they are doing in feeding us and basically keep our economy afloat. Did you know that agriculture accounts for 37.3% of Ghana's GDP? Anyway, back to Farmer's day. While I'm sure many of my urban contemporaries:
- Partied on the beach
- Partied at home
- Partied at the mall
- Caught up on sleep or episodes of Grey's Anatomy
I actually went farming! It's a long story but this past weekend, I was in the rural hinterlands of the Central and Western Regions of Ghana and so decided to take the opportunity to try my hand at farming. I should state that the 1.5 hour trek to the farm (on the top of a hill) was the hardest part and near killed me! Despite being of farming stock, I was an abysmal disaster but I certainly learnt a thing or two. I have always had a profound respect for farmers but now I have deep admiration for not only their stamina but also their knowledge.
 |
| The long trail to the farm |
I'm beginning to think it would be good to integrate a compulsory fishing/farming component into the national service training for all young people in Ghana. It would not only build character but foster an appreciation for agriculture.
 |
Skills up a pawpaw tree
|
 |
| Can you name this plant?! |
 |
| Freshly picked tomatoes |
2 comments:
Farming can be fun BUT What our farmers do is hard work!
They had my respect way back in secondary school the times I got punished to weed & dig pits.
I hope local equipment manufacturers & KNUST take up the Agric minister's proposal and help improve the way we farm in Ghana. (http://sarpongobed.blogspot.com/2010/08/agric-ministry-extends-hand-to-local.html)
I know I know! Thats an avocado tree.
@GHOS thanks for stopping by. It would be good if the Agric ministry would open a competition to get creative juices flowing in the country over innovative ways to help improve agriculture. There appears to be a lack of imagination stemming from the country in this sector. Well, as far as I see it!
Post a Comment