I am working with the Ghanaian Government’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Gushegu District. Situated in the Northern Region of Ghana, Gushegu is one of the country’s most impoverished districts. Over 90% of economic activity in the district is based on agriculture; a volatile sector that is affected by external and often incontrollable factors such as erratic rainfall patterns, foreign investment and national budgetary cuts.
My job is to challenge Agricultural Extension Agents to develop new practices in extension work. This means that I work with the in-the-field government representatives to change how they interact with Gushegu’s farmers. The intention is to create a more effective extension model, one in which farmers are empowered to choose a course of action that best suits their needs and the needs of their families and community.
I continually find myself surrounded by textbook situations proposed by my professors at home. I am on a fellowship with a Canadian non-governmental organization, working within a national government framework at a municipal level, attempting to change extension practices advanced by the World Bank more than 30 years ago and there are constant interventions by private sector initiatives and other non-governmental organizations. This is the “real world” of development. At times it is frustrating and overwhelming in its complexity. Every day I recall the lessons that felt so removed while sitting in a classroom at home and I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to work through some of these situations in a safe and open-minded environment. Now more than ever I see the value of learning inside and outside the classroom. More importantly however I see the potential of interdisciplinary solutions in addressing some of the greatest challenges in our world.
I am very fortunate to have this opportunity. The Kroeger College, its staff and my fellow classmates have been amazingly supportive. I am excited to return to Carleton to commence the in-Canada portion of my fellowship and to get back into the classroom but I am as equally excited to continue with my “real life” experience here in Ghana for the remainder of the summer.