Held from 19 to 24 July 2026, the training brought together project staff and partners to explore practical solutions that restore soil health, improve farm resilience, and promote sustainable agricultural production. Combining classroom sessions with hands-on field demonstrations, participants gained valuable knowledge and practical experience in climate-smart farming approaches that can support farmers across the mango, coconut, and pineapple value chains.
A central theme throughout the training was the concept of regenerative agriculture, an approach that seeks not only to sustain agricultural production but also to restore and enhance the natural functions of farming ecosystems. Participants learned how regenerative agriculture improves soil health, increases biodiversity, enhances water retention, and strengthens the ability of farming systems to withstand environmental shocks.
The discussions highlighted growing pressure on agricultural land caused by population growth, urban expansion, mining activities, flooding, desertification, and unsustainable farming practices. As traditional fallow systems become less viable, regenerative agriculture offers a practical pathway for maintaining productivity while rebuilding natural resources.
One of the key lessons from the programme was the recognition that soil is a living ecosystem. Facilitators emphasized that healthy soils support beneficial microorganisms, fungi, earthworms, and plant roots, all of which contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil structure, and higher agricultural productivity.
Participants were introduced to the three core principles of regenerative agriculture:
The training also explored major threats to soil health, including erosion, compaction, declining organic matter, biodiversity loss, contamination, and flooding. Through practical demonstrations, participants observed the stark differences between healthy and degraded soils and gained a deeper understanding of the practices required to restore soil functionality.
A distinguishing feature of the programme was its strong emphasis on experiential learning. Participants visited demonstration plots where they observed regenerative agriculture practices under real farming conditions. These field sessions provided direct exposure to innovative approaches for water conservation, irrigation, weed management, and soil restoration.
Participants examined technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, bottle drip irrigation, and weeping pot irrigation, which can help farmers improve water-use efficiency and adapt to changing rainfall patterns. They also gained hands-on experience with tools including penetrometers, A-frames for contour mapping, and jab planters that allow direct seeding with minimal soil disturbance.
The training further showcased a variety of cover crop species, including mucuna varieties, sun hemp, pigeon pea, dolichos lablab, finger millet, and jack bean. These cover crops play an important role in protecting soil surfaces, suppressing weeds, increasing organic matter, and improving soil fertility.
Participants were also introduced to mechanized conservation agriculture equipment designed to support sustainable production while protecting soil resources. Demonstrations featured roller crimpers, no-till planters, rippers, and brush mowers, highlighting how mechanization can complement regenerative agriculture principles without relying on conventional ploughing.
Practical sessions on soil compaction further reinforced the importance of careful soil management. Participants learned how compacted soils restrict root growth, reduce water infiltration, and ultimately limit crop performance, underscoring the need for practices that preserve soil structure and biological activity.
The training concluded with discussions on how the lessons learned can be integrated into the implementation of the C-Fruit Project. Participants agreed on follow-up actions, including the development of farmer training materials and the organisation of step-down training sessions to transfer knowledge to producers within the project's target value chains.
Particular attention will be given to adapting regenerative agriculture practices for mango, coconut, and pineapple production systems, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the realities of farmers participating in the project. Future training activities will continue to prioritise practical, field-based learning to encourage adoption and improve outcomes at farm level.
The Regenerative Agriculture Training Programme demonstrated that improving soil health is not only an environmental priority but also a critical strategy for achieving long-term agricultural productivity and resilience. By equipping stakeholders with practical skills and knowledge, the C-Fruit Project is laying the groundwork for more sustainable farming systems that can withstand climate challenges while supporting livelihoods and food security in Ghana.
The Climate Smart Fruit Value Chain for Resilient and Inclusive Growth (C-Fruit) Project is implemented by Swisscontact Ghana and promotes climate-smart approaches that enhance productivity, resilience, and inclusion within Ghana's fruit value chains.