A few years back, as the 2020 rice farming season approached, farmers in the Asutsuare community found themselves at a critical turning point. Without access to timely funding for essential inputs and land preparation, many were on the brink of missing the entire season, a loss that would have severely impacted their incomes, household stability, and local food production
For smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on timely planting, losing a season would have meant not only lost income but increased vulnerability for their households.
For 300 rice farmers of the Southern Lower Level Canal–A Cooperative (SLLC-A), this reality began to change through targeted support from WamiAgro. These farmers received input credit including certified rice seeds, fertilisers, and mechanisation services for land preparation, enabling them to cultivate their fields in time for the season.
Improved Yields and Livelihoods
The introduction of the rice starter, an organic fertiliser, significantly improved crop performance. Average yields increased from the usual 1.5 tonnes per acre to between 1.8 and 2 tonnes per acre. This improvement translated into higher incomes for farmers, allowing them to make profits even after repaying their cost of production.
Beyond higher yields, farmers benefited from reduced production costs. The rice starter improved soil quality and corrected acidity naturally, reducing the need for additional inorganic fertilisers while supporting healthier crop growth.
A Sustainable Model for Growth
The intervention evolved into a sustainable rice production model implemented with the 300 farmers of the SLLC-A Cooperative across eight farming seasons from 2020 to 2024.
Through this project, farmers were able to maintain consistent production, improve their livelihoods, and build resilience for future farming seasons.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers
This initiative demonstrates the impact of targeted support in unlocking the potential of smallholder farmers. By improving access to inputs, mechanisation, and sustainable farming solutions, farming communities can move from uncertainty to stability and growth.