UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association,GJA, Albert Sore, is urging journalists to give greater attention to Striga, a parasitic weed that threatens crop production and the Iivelihoods of farming communities
He says sustained media education and public awareness will be important in helping farming communities recognise Striga and adopt appropriate measures to reduce its impact on crop production. He said although the impact of Striga may not always make headlines, the problem can develop gradually and have
serious consequences for farmers, food production and household incomes
The Regional Chairman made the remarks during a media sensitisation workshop on Striga organised in the Upper East Region by the Forum for Natural Regeneration, FONAR, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Ghana journalist association, GJA
He said the workshop provides journalists with an opportunity to understand the biology, spread and impact of Striga and to learn about practical measures for managing the weed
The GJA Regional Chairman noted that journalists often focus on issues such as food shortages, poor harvests and climate change, but may overlook agricultural challenges such as Striga which can contribute to declining farm productivity
He therefore encouraged journalists who report on agriculture to use their various platforms to educate farmers and the public about Striga and appropriate management practices
He said journalists who host agriculture-related programmes on radio and other platforms should continue the conversation beyond the workshop, while those without regular airtime should produce stories to create public awareness
He also called for stronger collaboration between the GJA, agricultural authorities, FONAR and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods
Source – gbcuraonline.com
