The SOCO Project, through its community-driven development (CDD) approach, is empowering local communities in Ghana’s northern regions by addressing climate change, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering local economic growth. One such intervention is in the Kpassa community of the Nkwanta North District, where SOCO is transforming the lives of local bakers through its Local Economic Development (LED) initiative.
As part of Subcomponent 1.2: Strategic Economic Activity Investments for Local Economic Development under Component 1: Investing in Community Resiliency and Inclusion, SOCO has provided essential support to 18 bakers from the Lorlornyo Bread Bakers Association. This assistance came in the form of modern gas ovens, baking pans, and other equipment to enhance their productivity. Before SOCO’s intervention, these bakers relied on traditional wood-fueled ovens that were not only labour-intensive but also contributed to environmental degradation and posed health risks.
Before: Traditional Oven
“The traditional ovens affected our health greatly because of the smoke they produced. This has discouraged many of our young people from engaging in this business despite the high unemployment rate. We are also told that these ovens have a negative impact on our environment. We are therefore grateful for these gas ovens from SOCO, which will greatly improve our business.”- Madam Amadu Paulina (Chairperson of the Lorlornyo Bread Bakers Association)
The switch from wood-fueled ovens to gas ovens is a step towards mitigating climate change by reducing deforestation and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional wood-fueled baking contributed to deforestation and added pressure on the local environment. By introducing gas ovens, SOCO is helping these bakers transition to more climate-resilient and eco-friendly methods, thereby supporting the government’s larger goal of promoting environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the bakers have noticed significant improvements in their businesses. With the new gas ovens, they can bake more quickly, meet market demands more efficiently, and regulate temperatures to minimize losses. This shift has led to increased production, allowing some bakers to hire additional workers and take on apprentices, further expanding the local economy and providing opportunities for the youth.
The support from SOCO has had a ripple effect across the community, creating more sustainable livelihoods and improving economic resilience in the face of climate change. By empowering local businesses and equipping them with modern tools, SOCO is helping build climate-resilient communities that can thrive in the long term. This initiative reflects SOCO’s broader mission of stimulating sustainable economic growth while addressing critical environmental challenges. The Lorlornyo bakers’ success is just one example of how SOCO’s LED interventions are fueling progress, promoting climate resilience, and transforming communities across northern Ghana.
