Most people in the area are dependent on agriculture for subsistence. This is very difficult with the poor lateritic soils.
For energy production they are very much dependent on firewood.
SUNTAA-NUNTAA is a wholly Ghanaian NGO set up in 1990 by Mr. Robert Loggah. The aim is to fight degradation of natural resources in the Upper West Region in Ghana. SUNTAA also tries to empower the poor so that they can attain household security, that is sufficient food and sufficient cash for medicines and education. This is done by means of education and training of Women' Groups in over 80 villages in the Upper West Region. The activities include agroforestry, poultry, animal rearing, tree planting and nursing, health matters, cottage industries and other income generating activities. Much of this training is done through Theatre for Development. One of the unexpected benefits of the regular group meetings has been the growth of greater unity among the women, more co-operation and less conflict. The women pool their knowledge and experience to solve common problems.
The rainfall has been very erratic the last ten years. This has caused a lot of damage due to droughts and floods.
The erosion on the lateritic soils with low inherent fertility status has been aggravated.
And every year there are several bushfires which destroy large acres of land.
Most people in the area are dependent on agriculture for subsistence. This is very difficult with the poor lateritic soils.
For energy production they are very much dependent on firewood.
The position of women is not very good. They are considered as unimportant components of society.
There is lack of educational and health facilities.
Due to all these reasons there is a high rate of poverty.
Placing special emphasis on involvement of women in agroforestry and income generating activities.
Creating women groups in the Whole Upper West Region of Ghana that exert activities based on agroforestry.
Teaching tree nursing and planting activities to women.
Encouraging fodder banks development for increased cattle production.
Improved cattle production through breeding.
Building on collective solidarity by the use of traditional values of "Chena" and "Susu".
Developing local economics and trading system based on exchange using loan scheme set by the project.
Use of drama to address resource management as well as other issues.
High rate of progress of women's groups supervised by SUNTAA-NUNTAA.
Apprenticeship and training by example (demonstration) are given priority.
Replication of good initiatives through the principles of "Chena", a solidarity chain derived from traditional society.
Implementation of relevant activities geared of fighting deforestration, bushfires and poverty carried out.
Diversification of income-generating activities including: honey production, poultry, raising of sahelian goats, loan schemes.
Picture: recycling of pitopots (local beer) in the tree-nursery
Restoring peace and social cohesion that fosters development.
Developing technical skills in the area of environmental protection, livestock production and the art of drama.
Improving income through diversification of resource use.
Gradually empowering women by building up their self reliance.
At the fourth session of the Conference of Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification in Germany in December 2000, Suntaa-Nuntaa was accorded accreditation with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
In 1999 SUNTAA has won the "Saving the Drylands International Award" for its commitment to the control of land degradation. This international award is promised by the Untided Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) every year. Besides this award, SUNTAA has earned many other certificates and awards for their efforts.
Picture: Robert Loggah planting trees
Picture: Special award presented on 6th day of March 2002, 45th anniversary of Ghana's independence