Project Cost: $12, 000
Donor: New England Biolabs Foundation (NEBF)
Project Period
The project was successfully implemented from January 2023 to December 2023.
Overview
The project site spans the Togo Plateau portion of the Akwapim Togo Range, a landscape of significant ecological and cultural importance to the Likpe and Lolobi communities.
The project responded to growing environmental degradation caused by deforestation, annual wildfires, unsustainable farming practices and the erosion of indigenous conservation values. These pressures had rendered the Likpe Ancestral Caves and the sacred Wadzakli falls unattractive to visitors and depleted the biodiversity that once characterised the mountain range. By combining ecosystem restoration with livelihood support, the project sought to address the root causes of environmental decline while creating tangible economic opportunities for community members.
Project Objectives
The project aimed to:
- To restore and increase the flow of ecosystem services within the Guan District through community education, enrichment planting and the establishment of indigenous tree nurseries.
- To promote ecotourism along the Togo Plateau landscape by conserving and developing the Likpe Ancestral Caves and Wadzakli falls as managed visitor sites.
- To enhance economic activities on the landscape through livelihood support including organic vegetable production, dry-season irrigation and value chain development for farmer groups in the Lolobi communities.
Key Achievements
i. Biodiversity Conservation:
ARDO conducted community entry visits and awareness-raising forums across four project communities: Likpe Todome, Likpe Bakua, Likpe Mate and Lolobi Ashiambi. The forums engaged community members including women, youth and traditional leaders on the importance of biodiversity, the causes and effects of deforestation and the role individuals and communities can play in environmental restoration.
A tree nursery was successfully established within the Guan District, producing 15,000 indigenous tree seedlings including ofram, mahogany and various spices. Cocoa, citrus and oil palm seedlings were also raised to support agroforestry alongside food crop farming. Avenue and riparian trees were planted along the paths leading to and around the ancestral caves and Wadzakli falls, contributing to the recovery of vegetative cover in previously degraded areas.
ii. Ecotourism Development:
Two stakeholder sensitization sessions were held around the Likpe Ancestral Caves and Wadzakli falls, bringing together community members, traditional authorities and representatives from the Ghana Tourism Authority. Discussions focused on the cultural and economic significance of the sites and the shared responsibilities involved in their development and management.
A Local Community Tourism Committee was formed to provide ongoing oversight of the sites. Youth volunteers were trained as tourist guides and equipped with the knowledge and skills to support visitors. Safety facilities including climbing ropes and sanitary infrastructure such as litter bins were installed at the ancestral caves to improve the visitor experience and ensure safe access.
iii. Fire Prevention and Management:
Annual wildfires have long been among the most destructive threats to the Togo Plateau landscape. To address this, ARDO revitalized two community anti-wildfire volunteer groups, providing training in the causes, prevention and management of wildfires in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire and Rescue Service. Community campaigns were conducted across the project communities to raise awareness and promote fire-safe practices. The active involvement of youth in these volunteer groups is expected to sustain fire prevention efforts well beyond the project period.
iv. Livelihood Enhancement:
ARDO profiled potential beneficiaries in Lolobi Ashiambi and surrounding communities and selected two farmer groups for targeted support. Land use agreements of three to five years were facilitated between farmers and landowners, providing the security needed for beneficiaries to invest confidently in their plots. Two sets of irrigation facilities, each capable of servicing a two-acre plot, were procured and supplied to the groups.
Beneficiaries received hands-on training in land preparation, the operation and maintenance of irrigation equipment and farm records keeping. Sustainable practices including organic vegetable production and multi-cropping were promoted to support year-round productivity. Training in value chain development and marketing further enabled beneficiaries to improve their incomes and reduce their dependence on forest resources. Women and youth were prioritised throughout the livelihood component, recognising their central role in both food production and the economic life of the communities.
v. Community Engagement and Institutional Strengthening:
A Project Management Team (PMT) comprising youth, women and technical representatives from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Forestry Commission, the Ghana National Fire Safety and Rescue Services and the Ghana Tourism Authority was constituted to provide guidance and oversight throughout implementation. A dedicated communication platform was established to facilitate regular exchange between the Project Implementation Team and the Advisory Team.
Community Environment Management Committees (CEMCs) were strengthened to assume responsibility for ongoing environmental monitoring and conservation activities, ensuring that the gains made during the project period are sustained by community-based structures after project exit.
Lessons Learned
Community ownership is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of environmental conservation efforts. Involving traditional authorities, youth and women from the outset strengthened local commitment to the project’s goals.
Reviving indigenous cultural values associated with sacred sites such as the Wadzakli falls and the ancestral caves provided a powerful and community-grounded foundation for conservation.
Securing land tenure agreements prior to agricultural training gave beneficiaries the confidence to invest meaningfully in their farming activities and adopt improved practices.
Livelihood interventions that provide credible economic alternatives reduce pressure on natural resources and contribute to both environmental and economic resilience.
Youth engagement in fire prevention and sustainable agriculture is critical for ensuring that project outcomes endure beyond the funding period.
Beneficiary Communities
- Likpe Todome
- Likpe Bakua
- Likpe Mate
- Lolobi Ashiambi
- Lolobi Kumasi
Photo Highlights
Ghana delegation
