File photo of farmers at work
The Langtaa Cooperative Farmers Association (Langtaa), a farmer-based organisation in the Nandom Municipality, has trained its members on group dynamics and good governance to empower them to effectively influence policy reforms and advocacy at the local level.
The training was held at Kambaa in the Nandom Municipality under the Forest and Farm Facility project, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
It brought together 101 participants — 86 females and 15 males — from six farmer groups within Langtaa’s operational areas: Mwinbeterbangfo, Enye 1, Kpenye, Nyogtaa, Wonewulu, and Enye-Kambaa, all in the Nandom Municipality.
Mr Stanilaus Nasaal, the Project Manager of Langtaa, who facilitated the sessions, took the participants through a practical water brigade role-play to demonstrate principles of group dynamics, including group behaviour, interaction and leadership, among others.
The training provided the participants with practical skills to strengthen internal governance structures, improve group management, and enhance their capacity to advocate for policies that would advance farmer livelihoods.
He emphasised the importance of understanding group dynamics as a tool for improving collaboration, strengthening group behaviour and enhancing overall performance.
He urged the participants to promote group cohesion through shared values, common interests, mutual respect and intergroup cooperation, among other factors, to ensure their effectiveness.
“Large group sizes, conflicting opinions, internal competition and poor interpersonal interactions tend to weaken group unity,” Mr Nasaal, also an agriculturalist, explained.
On good governance, Mr Nasaal stressed principles such as participation, transparency, accountability, responsiveness and adherence to rules as essential for sustaining groups.
Mr Godwin Kuuim Tietaah, the Executive Director of Langtaa, said the training was designed to build effective leadership, strengthen unity and promote shared responsibility among members.
He noted that strong and well-organised groups formed the foundation of successful farmer associations, which played a key role in shaping local development outcomes.
He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained, and said principles such as transparency, accountability and clear communication were essential for building trust and group sustainability.
Mr Tietaah reaffirmed Langtaa’s commitment to supporting farmer groups and strengthening community structures since empowered associations were key drivers of local development and positive social transformation.
The participants expressed appreciation to Langtaa for the training, which they said would enable them to manage their groups and ensure cohesion among members.
Madam Esther Nawaa of the Mwinsobangfo group said they would apply the knowledge and skills to strengthen their group.
Madam Belindicta Kyaa of the Nyogtaa group said: “I have learned a lot, and from now on I will support the elderly men and women in my group.
“I will also do away with the idea that all members must contribute equally regardless of our differences,” she added.
Mr Sylvester Yelivieli from the Mwinsobangfo group urged participants to play active roles in their groups, noting that consistent participation was crucial for building strong and resilient associations.
