The Scout and Guide Fellowship–Ghana (SGF-Gh) organized a three-day camp under
the theme “Scouts and Guides in Farming” from 2nd to 4th [Month], 2024 at Kwame
Ndudu in the Eastern Region. The camp marked the launch of a strategic initiative
aimed at introducing and promoting large-scale farming among Scouts and Guides
across the country, with the ultimate goal of contributing to Ghana’s agricultural
development and supporting the government’s Feed Ghana agenda.

Background and Rationale

The initiative stems from a growing recognition of the need for youth involvement in
agriculture, particularly through established and disciplined networks like the
Scouting and Guiding movement. The concept, which actively involves both Scouts
and Girl Guides, envisions the establishment of commercial farms in every region
and district in Ghana, led by local members. These farms will focus on crops or
livestock that best suit the unique environmental and economic advantages of each
area, leveraging their comparative advantage to ensure sustainability and
productivity.

Objectives of the Camp

• To introduce farming to the Scouts and Guides
• To build capacity among regional and district Scout leaders to initiate
  farming projects in their communities.
• To formally launch the first phase of the SGF-Gh farming initiative.
• To align SGF-Gh’s agricultural efforts with national goals such as food
  security, youth employment, and industrialization.

Activities at the Camp

The camp brought together Scout leaders and members from various regions to
engage in educational sessions, farm practicals, and strategy meetings. A key
highlight of the camp was the cultivation of cassava and maize on an 8-acre plot of
land secured in Kwame Ndudu. This land will serve as a pilot farm for the initiative.
Additionally:

• A permanent Scout has been stationed at the Kwame Ndudu farm to
  monitor progress. He has been provided with accommodation and logistics to ensure
  consistency and accountability.
• SGF-Gh officers will conduct regular monitoring visits to oversee farm
  development and provide technical support.
• Participants were briefed on various farming models including crop farming,
  animal husbandry, aquaculture, snail farming, cash crop production, woodlot
  plantations, and ornamental horticulture.

Long-Term Vision

The “Scouts and Guides in Farming” initiative is envisioned to grow into a nationwide
commercial farming and agro-industrial programme. Future plans include:

• Establishing regional and district farms tailored to local agricultural
  strengths.
• Engaging in agro-processing through the establishment of slaughterhouses,
  food processing units, and other value-addition industries.
• Promoting both local consumption and export of surplus farm produce to
  contribute to national food security and economic development.

Strategic Alignment

This initiative directly supports the Government of Ghana’s Feed Ghana policy under
the broader Planting for Food and Jobs programme. By mobilising disciplined youth
into farming, SGF-Gh aims to reduce youth unemployment, ensure food sufficiency,
and stimulate rural economic growth.

Conclusion
The camp at Kwame Ndudu was not only a success but a significant milestone in the
effort to integrate agriculture into the values and practices of the Scouting and
Guiding movement in Ghana. According to SGF-Gh President, Mr. Andrew Botchwey,
the initiative is just the beginning of a much larger vision that extends from farm to
factory, and ultimately, to global markets. SGF-Gh remains committed to expanding
the initiative across all districts and regions and looks forward to collaborative
support from stakeholders, partners, and the government.