A Whole Nutha Cosmas

Now I must admit, I have a pretty all-star filled cast of AEAs that I work with here in Bongo; however,  if there’s one that has continually excelled since day one, it’s Cosmas. His dedication to his job, as well as the farmer groups he works with, is truly admirable. He’s been part of the ministry for around 15 years now; however, some years back left for a while before returning. According to his colleagues, you’d think someone would usually come back due to desperation for money… but not Cosmas; he returned with something to prove.With his means of transportation being a simple bicycle, Cosmas is not only on time to all his meetings, but even beats me on my moto there. Currently is working with two farmer groups on the AAB program, but his goal is to expand it to all 8 of his groups by the end of the year.

One of Cosmas’ groups, Abokobise Womens Group, have become the first group in Bongo to finish the curriculum in it’s entirety. When you first meet this group of 28, there’s no wonder how they couldn’t! With members on time for every meeting; a secretary that is hard working and dedicated to the group; an executive committee respected by all; and participation by most members at meetings; this group definitely has the qualities and characteristics of a strong farmer’s group.

When Megan was with the group this past summer, Cosmas helped the group get access to cowpea inputs through the Burkina/Ghana Trans-border project. Unfortunately, pests invaded their fields and much of their produce was spoiled or wasted. After considering their options for this year and drafting up business plans to determine the crop that will yield them the most profit, the group decided to plant soya beans. Soya beans have a very good market and because of their ability to have value added, can be sold easily at harvest or in the lean season for a considerable amount.

Since the group has 50 GHC in their bank account, they are planning to grow one acre of soya beans. However, after recently submitting the FGBD Fund Application (the first group actually!), they plan to increase their plot to two acres if they receive the loan. According to their application, if they receive the funds they plan to sell part of their produce at harvest to as recovery, and sell the rest in the lean season for more profit. According to their carefully thought out business plan, the group expects a profit of 268 GHC; a significant increase from their 20 GHC profit last year. As they say in Ghana, “it’s in God’s hands now!”