The CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) has completed a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) mission for the EMBRACE Project across its key operational areas in Ghana. The assessment, conducted from December 1st to 12th, 2025, covered farm sites in Ataase (Ashanti Region), Dahome (Ahafo Region), and Punikrom (Western North Region).

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The primary purpose of the mission was to measure the effectiveness of the EMBRACE intervention, focusing on farmer engagement, the adoption of agroforestry and neglected crops, biodiversity practices, gender empowerment, and overall community satisfaction.

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Comprehensive Assessment and Key Indicators

The evaluation used a detailed framework of critical indicators to capture the project's impact across livelihood and conservation goals. The assessment areas include participation background, community involvement, overall experience, agroforestry interventions, neglected seeds & minor crops, biodiversity conservation, challenges, improvement needs, and gender and decision-making. 

The team also conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative comments under the group discussion section to capture the farmers’ voices and experiences. A key component of the mission involved meticulous data collection at the farmstead level across the three regions (Ashanti, Ahafo, and Western North). This data is essential for monitoring the biophysical success of the agroforestry intervention plots.

The information gathered covered several dimensions. Plot metrics included location, area allocated, and GPS coordinates for each plot. Planting details captured the crop and tree species planted, the planting date, and the number of seedlings. Biophysical measurements focused on tree and crop height, diameter, and canopy spread. 

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Survival rates were tracked by monitoring the number of plants that died and the number of surviving seedlings in the field. Finally, management practices were documented, including methods and dates for weed control, pest and disease management, irrigation, and other recommended interventions.

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Diverse Participation Drives Success

The success of the mission depended on collaboration among scientific experts, community leaders, and the project's direct beneficiaries. The participation included 150 direct beneficiary farmers, agricultural extension officers, and community leaders.

The data gathered during this extensive MEL mission will be vital for refining the project and ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the EMBRACE project intervention in supporting climate resilience and community development across Ghana.

The CSIR-CRI scientific team overseeing the mission included:

| Principal Investigator (PI) | Dr. Clement Oppong Peprah |

| Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) | Dr. Jeannette Aduhene-Chinbuah |

| Component Lead / EMBRACE MEL Officer | Dr. Felix Frimpong |

| Component Lead | Dr. Hillary Mireku Botey |

| Component Lead | Dr. Kwesi Atta Senior Aidoo |

| Team Member | Dr. Eric Owusu Danquah |

| Team Member | Ms. Yaa Pokuaa |