Ames, IA (October 10, 2024) - As part of an international collaboration, Iowa State University’s (ISU) Seed Science Center (SSC) says it has made a significant impact on youth agricultural programs in Ghana by donating $300 to two newly established 4-H clubs in the central part of the country. While small, the SSC says this donation is making a big impact, helping youth cultivate skills in agriculture while contributing to food security in their communities.

The two 4-H clubs, located in Akraman and Anomabo, were launched earlier this year as part of the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Ghana Study Abroad Program led by Dr. David Kwaw-Mensah and Dr. Theressa Cooper, which brought students and faculty to Ghana in January 2024. SSC communications specialist Cindy Hicks accompanied the group on this trip, assisting in the initiative to establish and support these agricultural clubs.

Hicks, reflecting on the experience, highlighted the enthusiasm of the students. 

“It was incredible to see how engaged and motivated the kids were in learning about agriculture and making a difference in their community,” Hicks says.

The Akraman 4-H club, established at Akraman School, has already put the donation to good use, clearing a plot of land generously donated by a local community leader. The students, aged 10 to 25, have been working diligently on a school farm project, learning hands-on farming techniques while growing a variety of vegetables. Thanks to the donation from the ISU Seed Science Center, the club was able to purchase seeds and other essential materials to get the garden up and running.

The students’ dedication to farming is already bearing fruit — literally and figuratively — as they see the results of their hard work and new agricultural knowledge. Today, the garden at Akraman is thriving, producing a significant amount of vegetables which has contributed to local food security efforts.

“The farm project at Akraman has really taken off, and it’s wonderful to know that our support helped make this a reality,” Hicks says. “These students are not only growing vegetables, but they’re also growing in their understanding of what agriculture can do for their futures and their communities.”

4-H Ghana, the national organization supporting rural youth in agriculture, oversees nearly 200 clubs, reaching over 70,000 youth across the country. Its goal is to inspire young people to embrace new agricultural technologies, improve crop yields, and promote food security, particularly in the face of challenges like climate change and inadequate seed systems.

Harriet Abaidoo, the founder and CEO of The HAAA Foundation (HAAA are Ms. Abaidoo’s initials), a non-governmental organization based in Accra, has played an instrumental role in the success of these 4-H programs. She expressed her excitement about the collaboration between ISU and the 4-H clubs, noting how the initiative aligns with her passion for rehabilitating and supporting disadvantaged youth.

“The money donated by the ISU Seed Science Center helped prepare the land and acquire seeds for the farm project at Akraman,” Abaidoo says. “It’s inspiring to see the youth so eager to learn and make a difference in their communities. This project is already transforming the way they see agriculture—not just as a means of survival, but as a tool for economic and social growth.”

The Anomabo 4-H program, hosted at the Anomabo Basic Methodist School, has also seen remarkable success. In addition to working on their own school farm, the club participated in the District and National 4-H LEAD Competition, securing 1st place at the district level and 2nd place nationally. This recognition highlights the program's potential to foster academic and hands-on farming skills among rural youth.

Looking forward, Abaidoo has plans to expand the program even further, with two more 4-H clubs in Accra in development. She emphasized the importance of continued support from donors like ISU to ensure the sustainability of these programs, which offer not only agricultural training but also leadership development and personal growth for Ghanaian youth.

“The future of agriculture in Ghana is bright with initiatives like these,” Abaidoo remarks. “With the right support, we can inspire a new generation of leaders in agriculture, help communities appreciate the importance of vocational agricultural education, and ensure a sustainable future for rural youth.”

As the gardens in Akraman and Anomabo flourish, the impact of ISU’s donation will continue to grow, serving as a model for how small contributions can make a large difference in the lives of young people and their communities.