Some resident farmers of Yeleyiri under Wa West District of Upper West Region have expressed deep concern over the ongoing delay and inadequacy in the distribution of government-supported fertilizers, which they say is affecting their farming activities and other livelihoods.

According to them, the government promised fertilizer support has not reached them as scheduled and as a result, their crops are suffering, and fears of poor harvests are mounting. “We were expecting the fertilizer to arrive in time for planting, but it has not come. Our crops are waiting, and we are worried about how we will survive if this continues,” said one local farmer.

The farmers speaking to Radio Progress News also expressed frustration on how lack of farm inputs support affects both food security and household incomes in the area.

They revealed that, majority of youth in the community are migrating to other parts of the country in search for alternative livelihoods due the agricultural challenges confronting them.

Many young men and women are leaving Yeleyiri in search of alternative livelihoods, often engaging in galamsey (illegal mining) or seeking employment in nearby towns and cities.

They added that, the mass departure of youth in the area is driven by limited local opportunities and the frustration caused by the ongoing fertilizer distribution issues. “Most of our youth are leaving, looking for jobs elsewhere. Some are engaging in dangerous activities like galamsey, which destroys our environment,” lamented a community elder.

They also called for timely distribution of government fertilizers and farm inputs and as well as implement programs that can create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth in the community.

The farmers believe that, empowering young people through skills training, microfinance support, and job creation initiatives can help stem the tide of migration and reduce the dependence on harmful activities like galamsey.

However, as the community waits for concrete action, farmers continue to face the threat of poor harvests, and the youth remain in flux, seeking greener pastures elsewhere.

It is crucial that government interventions address these pressing issues to foster sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of residents in Yeleyiri.

Farmers in the community said, they remains hopeful that with coordinated efforts, their agricultural productivity and youth retention can be restored for a more prosperous future.

Source: Radio Progress