The high cost of feeding students in our Senior High Schools has become a significant barrier in the journey towards comprehensive implementation of Ghana’s Free Senior High School Policy. The concept of school farming, which is about integrating agricultural activities into the school’s co-curriculum work, is worth considering as a sustainable cost reduction mechanism.
This would involve teaching students practical skills and same time provide a food source for the school’s kitchen. The approach could encompass traditional crop farming such as cassava, yam, pepper, garden eggs, and kontomire among others. To livestock and aquaculture practices: snail farming, fish farming, goat rearing, and grass cutter rearing are areas for consideration.
Thus, despite the challenges that may come with it, the substantial potential benefits project it as an appealing prospect for schools nationwide.
Potential Benefits
The potential benefits of implementing school farming across all Senior High Schools in Ghana are manifold. First and foremost, it could significantly reduce the cost of providing meals in schools.
This means that, by growing and harvesting their own produce, and rearing their own livestock, the government can save money, making education more affordable and thereby more accessible.
Beyond the economic advantages, school farming would also promote healthier dietary habits among students. It will as well reduce the risk of diet-related diseases among the citizenry in the long run.
There is no need debating the fact that, school farming would provide students with valuable agricultural skills. In a country like Ghana where agriculture is a significant sector of the economy, these skills could be invaluable.
To make it explicit, students would gain practical, hands-on experience when school farming is effectively implemented in our Senior High Schools. The introduction of school farming into Senior High Schools’ Co- curricula work would also open up future job opportunities or even inspire students to start their own farms at home.
Challenges
The implementation of school farming would present certain challenges:
- It would require substantial collaboration and coordination between various stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education and Agriculture, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Coupled with the cultural shift required to integrate farming into the school curriculum, this could be a daunting task.
- School farming would require an initial investment in agricultural resources, such as: seeds, fertilizers, farming equipment, and even land. They will may also need to invest in training for teachers and students to ensure they have the requisite skills and knowledge to successfully run a farm.
- There is also a risk of crop or livestock failure due to pests, diseases, or adverse weather conditions, which could lead to financial losses for the school.
Recommendations
Irrespective of the identified challenges, the potential benefits of school farming make it a worthy consideration for Senior High Schools.
- Schools should collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture. These partnerships could provide the necessary resources, knowledge, and support to establish the farms.
- For the initial investment in resources and training, schools could seek funding from PAs, private donors, or non-profit organizations. They could also explore partnerships with local farms or agricultural businesses, who may provide resources, training, and mentorship.
- To mitigate the risk of crop or livestock failure, schools should aim at diversifying their farming activities by using sustainable farming techniques. This would not only increase chances of a successful harvest but also provide a varied diet for students.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service should ensure that all Senior High Schools in Ghana introduce School Farming into their Co-Curricular Activities. This would amelioratethe cost of feeding students in these schools.
As Ghana continues to strive for educational advancement, it should not overlook the potential that lies within its own soil. Through school farming, Ghana could nourish both the bodies and minds of its future generations, creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
By Wisdom KoudjoKlu (wisdomklu@gmail.com)
