📌 Introduction

The Agriculture Sub-Committee undertook a field visit to Asuom and Darmang in the Kwaebibirem Municipal to engage selected farmers and an agro-processor. The purpose of the visit was to obtain first-hand information on the performance of the agricultural sector, understand the challenges confronting farmers and processors, and gather recommendations to improve agricultural production and livelihoods within the municipality.

The field visit was undertaken by members of the Agriculture Sub-Committee, which is made up of sixteen (16) members.

The committee visited three beneficiaries:

* Two crop farmers at Asuom.

* One agro-processor engaged in palm oil extraction at Darmang.

📌 Engagement with Farmers

The Chairman of the Agriculture Sub-Committee led discussions with the farmers and agro-processor. The interactions focused on their farming and processing activities, achievements, challenges, and suggestions for improving the agricultural sector. The farmers expressed appreciation for the committee’s visit and openly shared their experiences.

📌Successes Identified

The visit revealed several positive outcomes:

1. Farmers reported improved incomes from their farming activities, which have contributed to better household livelihoods.

2. Regular extension visits, effective training programmes, and sensitization by Agricultural Extension Officers and other stakeholders have enhanced farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved agricultural practices, resulting in increased productivity.

📌 Challenges Identified

Despite the progress made, the farmers highlighted several challenges affecting their operations:

1. Poor road network, making it difficult to transport farm produce to markets.

2. The increasing incidence of illegal mining activities, which is degrading farmlands and polluting water sources.

3. Inadequate training opportunities on emerging agricultural technologies and climate-smart farming practices.

4. Poor storage facilities, leading to significant post-harvest losses.

5. Inadequate labour and shortage of farm hands, resulting in delays in farm operations and increased production costs.

📌 Recommendations

The committee recommends that:

* The Municipal Assembly collaborate with relevant agencies to improve feeder roads serving farming communities.

* Measures be intensified to curb illegal mining activities that threaten agricultural production.

* The Department of Agriculture strengthen farmer training programmes and extension service delivery.

* Investment be made in modern storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.

* Labour-saving technologies and mechanization services be promoted to address labour shortages.

📌 Conclusion

The field visit provided valuable insights into the realities faced by farmers and agro-processors in the Kwaebibirem Municipal. While the farmers acknowledged the positive impact of extension services and training on their productivity and incomes, they emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, stronger enforcement against illegal mining, enhanced storage facilities, and increased support services. The Agriculture Sub-Committee remains committed to working with all stakeholders to address these challenges and promote sustainable agricultural development in the municipality.