This workshop addressed the challenges of integrating small-holders into commercial agriculture in Ghana. By assessing the pros and cons of large-scale farming and socially inclusive models, the workshop aimed to propose initial principles that would inform the design of a World Bank-financed commercial agriculture project geared toward avoiding enclave investments.
Commissioned by The World Bank, this research analyzed the complex interconnections between poverty, environment, gender, and infrastructure in Ghana. The study sought to understand local perceptions of the gender-poverty-environment nexus and its interaction with infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives, aiming to identify ways to transform negative linkages into positive outcomes.
This project focused on introducing cocoa certification to farmer associations in Ghana. PDA implemented the initiative across 8 districts in the Ashanti and Western Regions by engaging with 27 associations for certification and restructuring 29 additional associations to enhance their organizational development under the EU/CSSP 2 framework.
This study aimed to understand the impact of global financial, food, and fuel crises on vulnerable Ghanaians, with a particular focus on the construction industry. It examined the loss of employment and the coping strategies adopted by affected households, highlighting the vulnerability of children in terms of child protection issues such as child labor, displacement, and family separation.
This study aimed to establish a baseline on the current status of forest forums in Ghana and to assess the capacity of Forestwatch Ghana members in engaging with forest policy, advocacy, and facilitation of forest forums. The research provided essential insights into the operational strengths and capacity gaps among stakeholders, forming a basis for future interventions and policy reforms.
PDA serves as the Local Coordinating Agency for the “Yen Daakye” (‘Our Future’) Programme, a pilot initiative targeting the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and forced labour in cocoa production and marketing. This community-driven project is part of ICI’s broader effort to create sustainable and child-centred development in cocoa farming communities. The pilot runs in three districts—New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region, and Daboase and Asankrangwa in the Western Region—through district-based NGOs acting as Implementing Partners, supported by a PDA team comprising district facilitators, a field coordinator, and a community technical consultant.
PDA was responsible for planning and facilitating the stakeholder consultation workshops, coordinating with various fisheries sector stakeholders, and synthesizing their inputs to guide policy and development plan finalization.
PDA provided technical support to GEF by mapping key social and community issues associated with the Afram-Plains plantation forestry project. This assessment aimed to identify both the potential negative impacts and the development opportunities, enabling GEF to fine-tune its project strategies and proactively address concerns raised by civil society and NGO groups.
As part of the three-year Mwananchi Programme, these residential, mostly 3-day capacity building workshops brought together staff from 11 partner civil society organizations. The workshops focused on enhancing practical skills in participatory action research, strategic planning using outcome mapping, media engagement, stakeholder linkages (including traditional authorities and parliament), and planning short advocacy videos.
PDA conducted a baseline study for CARE International’s Agriculture and Natural Resources portfolio, focusing on the AFS and FNR programmes. The study established the status of programme areas and identified capacity gaps, serving as a critical reference point for future interventions and monitoring progress.
