From Motor Mechanic to Passionate Gardener

By Glorica Obodai, Digital Media Associate for EWS-KT Ghana

BONO REGION, GHANA – In April 2024, East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation held a Field Day at farmer Joseph Ohene Benjamin’s cucumber demonstration field, drawing farmers and other interested individuals from Senase and surrounding communities. Among the attendees was Alidu Mohammed, a 27-year-old motor-fitting mechanic, who came with a curious mind and left with a newfound passion.

“I heard of the Field Day through the community public address system. Following the explanations made by the farmer, I felt it was imperative that I see it for myself at the demo field,” said Alidu.

Impressed by the abundant harvest and the innovative farming techniques on display, Alidu was inspired to take action, telling EWS-KT Technical Field Officer Ramid Saana, “I promise to put your teachings, techniques, and observations into practice at my backyard garden.”

The EWS-KT team in Ghana is sharing these techniques with smallholder farmers in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions of the country through the Transforming Vegetable Farming as a Business project, co-funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Accra.

True to his word, Alidu invited Ramid to witness the fruits of his commitment just a few months later, in August 2024. Ramid was happy to accept the invitation, and what he found was remarkable—a thriving backyard garden, meticulously maintained and flourishing with healthy crops. Alidu had successfully applied the techniques he learned during the Field Day, transforming his small space into a productive garden.

This story is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right guidance, anyone, regardless of their background, can become a successful vegetable grower. Alidu’s journey from motor mechanic to passionate gardener is an inspiring example of the impact that knowledge and hard work can have on personal growth and local economic development.

Having been inspired by another farmer’s cucumber demonstration field, Alidu is now embarking on his own, with the help of EWS-KT. When it comes time for a Field Day at Alidu’s demo field, another attendee may leave with an armful of cucumbers—and a commitment to applying the new techniques they have learned.