Overview
This project focused on deepening the conservation of the Togbe Weto Sacred Grove and improving ecosystem services flow along the Weto landscape in the Volta Region of Ghana. It targeted seven communities in the Goviefe Traditional Area and aimed to strengthen environmental management while supporting local livelihoods. The work centered on restoring biodiversity through buffer zone establishment, providing alternative livelihood enterprises, promoting fire prevention and organic farming, and increasing community participation in conservation.

Project Objectives

The project aimed to:

1.  Improve ecosystem services flow along the Weto landscape through biodiversity conservation and community-led environmental management.
2. Support livelihood enhancement through small ruminant animal husbandry and a mini irrigation project for dry-season vegetable farming.
3. Establish a buffer zone around Togbe Weto Sacred Grove using economic trees and spices to prevent encroachment and reduce wildfire risk.
4. Build the capacity of beneficiary communities in sustainable environmental management, organic farming and small business operations.

Key Achievements

i. Biodiversity Conservation:

Community briefings and sensitization forums were held across all seven beneficiary communities. These sessions raised awareness on climate change, causes of deforestation and the importance of biodiversity conservation along the Weto landscape. Strategic action plans of Community Environment Management Committees were reviewed and strengthened to guide long-term conservation.

A buffer zone was established around the seventy-acre Togbe Weto Sacred Grove. Seedlings of Oil palm, Avocado, Alligator pepper and other non-timber forest products were nursed and transplanted along the grove boundary. Landowners bordering the grove received seedlings and participated in planting activities. This zone serves as both a physical barrier against encroachment and an additional income source for fringe farmers.

ii. Fire Prevention and Management:

Youth in all fringe communities were trained in firefighting skills in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire and Rescue Service. Community education on the environmental and economic consequences of wildfires was conducted across the landscape. Organized youth fire volunteer groups were established to respond to and prevent wildfire outbreaks originating from neighboring communities.

iii. Livelihood Enhancement:

A small ruminants animal husbandry project was established in Goviefe Todzi for the caretaker household and two assistants of the grove. A pen and fenced enclosure covering twenty by forty meters was constructed and stocked with twelve breeding animals including ewes, a ram, nannies and a billy goat. New high-yielding and disease-resistant crossbreeds were introduced to improve livestock quality within the community. Beneficiaries received training in healthy animal husbandry practices from a resource person at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

A four-acre vegetable irrigation project was established in Agodome using a reactivated abandoned mini dam. Irrigation equipment including a pumping machine, pipes and sprinklers was procured and installed. A group of ten to fifteen households engaged in rain-fed vegetable farming was supported to produce throughout the dry season. Exotic and indigenous vegetable varieties with drought resistance were introduced alongside organic farming practices. Market linkages to hotels, restaurants and boarding institutions were identified to improve income from produce.

iv. Community Engagement and Sensitization:

All seven communities including Goviefe Todzi, Agodome, Korwu, Dodome, Woadze, Xorse and Kpale were engaged through participatory and collaborative approaches. State agencies including the Forestry Commission, Ghana Education Service, District Assemblies and traditional authorities were briefed and involved in implementation. A one-day participatory evaluation and sustainability workshop was held with all implementing partners and key stakeholders. A two-year strategic sustainability plan was developed and documented for community and stakeholder reference.

Lessons Learned

Engaging the host community most directly connected to the grove through direct livelihood benefits is critical to sustaining their commitment to conservation.

Buffer zones planted with economic trees serve a dual purpose of protecting the grove and generating income for fringe farmers making them more likely to be maintained.

Combining cultural and traditional values with practical livelihood interventions strengthens community ownership of conservation efforts.

Involving state agencies and traditional authorities from the outset improves coordination and increases the legitimacy of conservation activities among communities.

Dry-season irrigation reduces dependence on rain-fed agriculture and lowers the economic pressure that drives encroachment into forest areas.

Beneficiary Communities

• Goviefe Todzi
• Agodome
• Korwu
• Dodome
• Woadze
• Xorse
• Kpale

Photo Highlights