Farmers in the Asutifi South District of the Ahafo Region are set to benefit from a newly commissioned Rural Service Centre (RSC) at Dadiesoaba.

The facility, launched by Proforest Africa Initiative in collaboration with partners, is aimed at supporting 15,000 farmers through technical training and farm management services to promote sustainable agriculture and improved natural resource management.

This RSC is a key component of the broader ‘Building Deforestation-free Climate Resilient Cocoa Landscape’ programme, funded by the Walmart Foundation.

Covering approximately 45,880 hectares of land in the Asunafo-Asutifi Hotspot Intervention Area, the project contributes to 266 hectares of land restoration, 20,000 hectares of land conservation, and sustainable management practices for 30,000 hectares of cocoa farms.

A significant aspect of the project focuses on empowering women in the community, with at least 100 women receiving training to diversify their incomes and improve their livelihoods. The initiative also offers financial support through a revolving fund.

At the inauguration, Abraham Baffoe, Global and Africa Director of Proforest, emphasized the organisation’s commitment to promoting sustainable landscapes that conserve biodiversity and foster climate-resilient agriculture. "This initiative ensures forests are protected and restored while improving the living conditions of local communities," he said.

The new RSC is equipped with essential infrastructure, including an input shop, farm management machinery, and training facilities for farmers. It will also host offices for the Cocoa Management System (CMS), CHED (COCOBOD) technical officers, and the Dadiesoaba Zone/Community Rural Management Area.

Nana Fosua Wirekoaa IV, Queenmother of Dadiesoaba, along with local farmers, expressed their optimism about the positive impact of the facility on local agricultural practices and livelihoods.

Proforest is working alongside key stakeholders such as the National REDD+ Secretariat, the World Cocoa Foundation, and COCOBOD to implement the project.