The Agroecology Learning Caravan is a regional initiative organised by Groundswell International for its partner organisations in four West African Countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, and Senegal. As part of the requirements for the learning caravan, three youth representatives from partner organisations: URBANET, ANSD, CIKOD, Sahel Eco, and Anglo Afrique, were present. The trip was meant to provide an opportunity for these young folks to explore different agroecological practices by different organisations. It also served as an avenue for them to learn and share knowledge on best practices and communal support.
Through the two-week long trip, participants visited agroecological hubs and farms in Diabo, Dapelgu, kontaaga, and Modre, in Burkina Faso, where they interacted with fish farmers, shea processors, and other agroecology demonstration fields. For the representatives of URBANET and their Ghanaian counterparts, exploring these farms, institutions and interaction with locals in Burkina Faso was an opportunity to test, compare and acquire knowledge. Other institutions were explored as well in Ghana to give learners from the three other countries to pick up some experiences.
The highlight of the caravan is the Youth Storyteller (YST) program. These young people (from all countries) were not just selected to represent to home organisation, they are agroecology representatives from their communities selected to participate in the Youth Storyteller program. YST is an initiative that provides a platform for young people to learn and highlight activities of agroecology in their communities. They are equipped with knowledge on photo and videography to enable them capture agroecological activities and other significant farmer-related activities.
Through this caravan and many other initiatives, Groundswell international in partnership with URBANET Ghana, is creating a sustainable farming system and environment where farmers do not only benefit, but the ecosystem as well. It also seeks to empower as many youths as possible and make agriculture an attractive and development-based sector for more youth to thrive.
