By Kamal Ahmed, GNA
Somanya (E/R), Feb 18, GNA – The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya has launched its 2026 Community Development Challenge (CDC) competition for 30 basic schools.
The CDC is a practical, action-orientated learning approach where students and participants identify real problems in a community and design sustainable solutions through research, engagement, and implementation.
This year, the focus is a school gardening competition for basic school pupils in the Eastern Region to promote food security, environmental awareness, and climate-smart farming.
Thirty basic schools are taking part in the competition, including Asokore Methodist JHS, Akwadum R/C Basic School, Asokore SDA Demonstration A, Agavenya R/C Basic, Aburi Presby B. JHS, Nuaso Saint Dominic R/C JHS, Aseseeso Presby JHS, and Oborpah West M/A, among others.
Each participating school will be assigned crops to nurture over a period of three months. At the end of the period, a team of experts will evaluate their work to determine the winner.
Participants are expected to nurture organic vegetable gardens without using synthetic chemicals.
They will cultivate crops such as carrots, cucumbers, lettuces, and garden eggs, applying sustainable farming techniques that can be replicated at home.
Speaking at the launch, the pro-vice chancellor of UESD, Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, emphasised the importance of targeting basic schools.
“Children are so powerful in bringing change in the environment. They can educate their parents and peers not to litter, and they can also demonstrate responsible behaviour to shape society,” he said.
Prof. Debrah added that the program seeks to develop young leaders who are environmentally conscious and capable of addressing future food security challenges.
He highlighted the significance of reviving backyard farming practices, recalling Ghana’s historic “Operation Feed Yourself” programme.
“There was a time when food was abundant because households cultivated their crops. We want to revive that mindset, so parents do not always have to spend money on basic vegetables like okra, peppers, and tomatoes,” he noted.
Guest speaker Dr Frank Kwekucher Ackah, senior lecturer in the Department of Crop Science at the University of Cape Coast, described the school gardens as multi-purpose learning spaces.
“A school garden is more than a farming plot. It ‘s a science laboratory, a nutrition classroom and a leadership training ground. Pupils learn by doing, not just by reading,” he said.
He explained that the competition encourages innovation, documentation, and accountability while strengthening environmental education and agricultural skills among students.
Yilo Krobo Municipal Director for Agriculture, Mr Benjamin Alabi, also lauded the initiative as timely and innovative.
“Agriculture is life. Without food, no one can survive, so this initiative is a step in the right direction, especially with the emphasis on organic methods,” he said, highlighting the health benefits of reducing chemical pesticides and insecticides in food production.
Teachers from participating schools welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that it would inspire pupils to adopt sustainable farming practices, develop life skills, and promote healthier communities.
Beyond the competition, the program is expected to encourage families to establish home gardens, improve nutrition, and reduce dependence on purchased vegetables.
The UESD Community Development Challenge positions school-based organic gardening not only as a practical solution to food insecurity but also as a tool to cultivate climate-smart, environmentally conscious citizens capable of shaping Ghana’s future.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade