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Africa: Ghana
Ghana is located on the west coast of Africa boarding the Gulf of Guinea, which ultimately connects with the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of over 10 million people in a country that's roughly the size of Oregon. Historically, the rural people survived by harvesting fruit and vegetable crops and by fishing. Now, disease, pollution, over-fished waters, and a lack of natural resources have caused a mass migration to the communities around the capital, Accra. It is estimated that more than 6 million people (and climbing) live in or near Accra. The city's resources are overburdened. The rural poor have now become the city's poor. The challenge for Ghana is to provide a way for those in rural areas to support themselves without migrating to an already overpopulated capital.
In the community of Benyadze, Heifer International is introducing goat and snail projects, which are providing a new hope for the future. With proceeds from their projects, families who once lived in thatch-roofed huts that flood during the rainy season have been able to afford better quality housing. Villages where Heifer is working are now able to build community gathering centers for education and training.
Snails are a delicacy in the area and will sell for about (US) $1.00 each. Even more of a delicacy, is the grasscutter, which is a wild herbivore rodent. Because most grasscutters available are killed in the wild with poison, safe and organically grown grasscutter can command high prices in the local markets and from tourists traveling to the coastal areas. These are relatively new projects for Heifer, but an example of how Heifer works with recipients to assess and implement culturally-appropriate projects.
In the sacred forests of Dodowa, villagers are discovering a new business in an old friend-the honeybee. With Heifer's local bee experts, many rural communities are beginning their own honey harvesting, bottling and marketing businesses. Because of their beliefs, this community feels it is their role to stay with the forest that provides for them, instead of migrating to the city in search of work trading in markets. By bringing in local bee experts, Heifer has assisted this community in staying in the place that still provides for them. Because of the healthful and medicinal qualities in the honey that is harvested in the Dodowa, Asebi and Shai Hills area, the product is extremely marketable. In many of the communities, women's organizations are the ones who manage the beekeeping. The successes of projects like these are not only financial, but social as well. Not long ago, many of these communities were mostly women and children. The men of the village often leave to find work. Many never return. Because Heifer is bringing new hope to their villages, the men are returning and families are reunited with duties shared between men and women.
Ghana is a country of great possibilities. With a sustainable means of self-reliance from Heifer International, our partners in Ghana can realize a brighter future, and one in which the people design their own future. The Ghana program is relatively young. However, in Heifer communities, we have observed that people are healthier; their homes and community gathering places are better built and well maintained; most noticeable, is a new sense of pride and dignity. For many, when they pass-on the offspring of one of their animals, it may be the first time they have ever had anything to give to someone else who is in need. The idea of someone previously in need becoming donors to others in need is a valuable gift, and a major cornerstone of Heifer's program.
By establishing a Ghana endowment, you will be providing a foundation on which this relatively new and innovative program can be built. Many more families who are suffering from malnutrition and an inability to provide for themselves will be reached and learn valuable life-changing skills.
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