Meet Emmanuel Tawia 32, a young social entrepreneur and farmer. With his Ghanaian and Jamaican heritage, Emmanuel explores the feasibility of growing Carribean fruit trees on Ghanaian soil. As our Asase Gyefo Premium Organic Fertilizer ambassador, Emmanuel uses the organic fertilizer to support his plant growth. In this interview, we get to know Emmanuel better and hear about his experiences with our fertilizer in his mission to establish a sustainable self-sufficient farm that can last for future generations.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you became a farmer?
“I grew up in the United States, but my roots are Ghanaian and Jamaican—my mother is from Ghana, and my father is from Jamaica. I got my interest in farming from my father. He taught me about organic farming, self-sufficiency, and the importance of growing your food, these values are deeply ingrained in me.
As a child, I spent much time visiting and working on my relatives’ farms in Jamaica. After that, I joined a program called WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), where volunteers work on organic farms in exchange for accommodation. I learned a lot about eco-farming and sustainable ways of living in this program. Fast forward to 2020, during the pandemic, I decided to fully commit to farming in Ghana. My goal was to produce organic food without the use of pesticides or chemicals, ensuring both soil health and food security.”
How did you hear about Asase Gyefo and why did you decide to use it?
“I first heard about Asase Gyefo through a friend who introduced me to Safisana. After researching the company’s work, I was impressed by their approach to locally producing organic fertilizer which suits my broader philoshopy of sustainable farming.
Around me, I see many local farmers using pesticides and chemicals – despite their long-term detrimental impact on soil and human health. Coming across a sustainable and cost-effective alternative like Asase Gyefo, I decided to give it a try. I was convinced it could help improve the soil health of my fruit trees, which I’m deeply invested in, and boost my crop yield. So far, the results have been amazing! This way, I also hope to inspire other farmers to switch to the use of organic fertilizer.”
What specific benefits have you noticed since using Asase Gyefo?
“One of the biggest advantages is soil health. Unlike chemical fertilizers, which can degrade the soil over time, organic fertilizer naturally enhances soil fertility. I also noticed how the fertilizer enhances water retention, which is very important in our climate. Ghana has long dry seasons, and farmers often struggle to predict when the soil will receive adequate moisture. The Asase Gyefo Organic Fertilizer improves the soil’s ability to retain water, making crops more resilient.
It’s also more affordable in the long run. Rather than providing a short-term nutrient boost like chemical fertilizers, this product enriches the soil over time, leading to more sustainable productivity.
Right now, I’m growing a sample tea orchard along with several Caribbean fruit trees. The leaves on my trees look healthier, the soil quality is great, and I don’t see many pests in the soil. And most importantly, so far I didn’t need to add more fertilizer to the soil which shows that the soil retention is great! I’m still monitoring overall crop yields, but the early signs are very promising.”
A breadfruit tree at Emmanuel’s farm. Also known as ‘Treculia Africana’ a species of flowering tree in the mulberry and jackfruit familiy.
How have other farmers reacted to the product?
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve donated a few bags of fertilizer to local farmers, and they love it. In fact, they are requesting more and even asked me where they could buy the fertilizer in the Volta Region!
Moving forward, I plan to create more content and resources on how to use the fertilizer effectively, including the best application methods for optimal plant growth.”
As we wrap up, what message would you like to share about the value of organic farming and its role in shaping the future of agriculture in Ghana?
“For me, farming is about sustainability and self-sufficiency. I believe in growing food in a way that benefits both people and the environment. We don’t want to consume food that is harmful for us or the environment, nor do we want dependence on unnatural inputs. My ultimate goal is to farm in a way that future generations can continue.
I want to encourage farmers to switch to the use of organic fertilizers such as Aasase Gyefo. It’s a good investment for the soil and the farm’s future. In the longterm it reduces costs and leads to healthier crops and increased yield. If Ghana wants to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, we need to start prioritizing solutions like this.”
Follow Emmanuel Tawia on his socials.
For more information about our organic fertilizer, check out the product page and application manuals.
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