In Kugzua, Ghana, farmers were falling sick. They soon determined the cause: chemical fertilizer. But faced with a choice between poor crops and poor health, farmers stuck with what they were told would keep them fed—until they encountered another option. It’s one that both stemmed from their traditions, and promised a healthier future for both them and their crops. 

In this environmental food fight, we meet farmers like Abraham Abubilla Abuari, Christiana Akparibo, and Judith Atama who are leaning into tradition and trying something new to them—compost. Find out how exactly they create the natural fertilizer, and why this technique is helping them deal with the changing climate. 

Credits

This episode was written and produced in Ghana by Tamara Merritt with support from Farm Radio International’s Accra office. It was hosted by Ivy Prosper and edited by Tara Sprickerhoff. Special thanks to local translators, Quality Radio FM, and the farmers who shared their stories. Translations were voiced by Eunice Gakpetor, Abraham Atubila and Jill Adinkrah.

More about Nature Answers: Rural Stories from a Changing Planet at farmradio.org/natureanswers

This is a Farm Radio International podcast produced thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.