Farmers Benefit from Oil Palm and Coconut Seedling Distribution Under Alternative Livelihood Project
The Kwahu West Municipal Assembly, through its Department of Agriculture, has supported farmers across the municipality with oil palm and coconut seedlings as part of activities implemented under the Alternative Livelihood Project (ALP) in 2025. The intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, restore degraded lands, and improve livelihoods within farming communities.
Under the project, a total of 39,732 oil palm seedlings were received and distributed to 208 beneficiary farmers, made up of 167 males and 41 females, covering an estimated farm size of 264.9 hectares. In addition, 1,500 coconut seedlings were distributed to selected farmers within the municipality.
Prior to the distribution, officers of the Department of Agriculture carried out registration of interested farmers across operational areas, working closely with lead farmers to ensure broad coverage. Beneficiary farmers subsequently undertook land preparation, lining, pegging, and planting, with support from agricultural extension officers and other stakeholders.
Monitoring and supervisory visits were also conducted to both newly established and existing farms to assess progress and provide technical guidance. These visits revealed positive outcomes, including improved land use in areas previously considered unproductive, as well as early fruiting observed on oil palm seedlings supplied under earlier phases of the project.
While the intervention recorded significant gains, some challenges were noted, including high demand for seedlings relative to supply and periods of dry weather that affected farming activities in certain communities. Despite these constraints, the quality of seedlings distributed during the period was described as satisfactory.
The Municipal Assembly noted that interest in oil palm cultivation has continued to grow as a result of the project, contributing to land recovery and increased agricultural activity in beneficiary communities. The Assembly has therefore appealed for increased supply of oil palm and coconut seedlings in subsequent planting seasons to meet the growing demand from farmers.
The Alternative Livelihood Project remains a key component of the Municipality’s strategy to strengthen agriculture, enhance rural livelihoods, and support long-term environmental sustainability.