Advocates Redesign

Category: Science

  • Second mangrove planting strengthens climate resilience in Niafrang, Senegal

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA) has successfully supported the second community-led mangrove planting in Niafrang, Senegal, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmental restoration and climate resilience across West Africa.

    This year’s exercise brought together residents, traditional leaders, and youth groups from Niafrang and neighboring communities such as Kabadio and Abéné, who joined hands to plant hundreds of mangrove seedlings along the Niafrang shoreline.

    The activity forms part of ACA’s broader initiative to restore degraded coastal ecosystems, enhance fisheries, and strengthen natural protection against coastal erosion and flooding caused by climate change.

    “Community-led restoration lies at the heart of ACA’s mission,” said Dr. Kwabina Ibrahim, ACA’s Science Lead. “By engaging youth from neighboring communities, we are helping to build a stronger, united front for environmental stewardship across the Casamance coastline.”

    This second mangrove planting builds on the success of previous efforts and reaffirms the community’s commitment to sustainable environmental management. The project reflects ACA’s ongoing collaboration with local partners to advance community-driven conservation and sustainable development in the region.

    Together, we grow a greener and more resilient Niafrang, Senegal.

  • ACA Partners Kaeme Cosmetics and Bohten Eyewear to Mark World Sight Day in Akyem Juaso

    As part of this year’s World Sight Day celebrations, Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), in partnership with Kaeme Cosmetics and Bohten Eyewear, organized a comprehensive skincare and eye health outreach program on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

    The event, held at Juaso in the Fanteakwa South District of Ghana’s Eastern Region, brought together residents of ACA’s black soap-making communities—Juaso and Bosuso—as well as other members of the wider community for a day dedicated to wellness, education, and preventive healthcare.

    The outreach combined free eye screening services, skincare education, and health talks aimed at improving the overall well-being of local artisans, many of whom are women engaged in the traditional production of black soap—a culturally significant and economically vital product in Ghana and across the globe.

    Empowering Soap Makers Through Health

    ACA, a non-governmental organization that empowers West African communities to take control of their development, recognized that sustaining traditional livelihoods like black soap production must go together with ensuring artisans’ health and wellness.

    “Black soap production requires precision, attention to detail, and the handling of natural materials—often over open fires or in sunlit conditions. Good eyesight is essential,” said Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, ACA’s Director of Community-Driven Development (CDD), during the event.

    “We want our community members to thrive not only economically but physically. This initiative is about supporting the full health and productivity of the people who sustain this cultural craft.”

    Hundreds of community members participated in the free eye screenings, conducted by licensed optometrists. Attendees were examined for common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and vision impairments, with some receiving referrals for further treatment or corrective lenses.

    Bohten Eyewear, a company known for its eco-conscious and stylish frames, also donated eyewear and provided information about eye care and protection.

    A Holistic Approach to Wellness

    Kaeme Cosmetics, a premium Ghanaian company specialising in personal care products such as shea soufflé, liquid black soap, soy candles and African-print toiletry bags, offered skin care education and product samples to attendees. Their team emphasized the importance of skin protection for artisans regularly exposed to heat, smoke, and harsh environmental conditions during soap production.

    “We believe that beauty and health are interconnected,” said a representative from Kaeme. “Many of the ingredients used in traditional soap making—like shea butter and palm kernel oil—have amazing properties. It’s important for the producers to understand how to protect and nourish their own skin while crafting products that nourish others.”

    The event was interactive and engaging, featuring live demonstrations, Q&A sessions with health professionals, and educational talks on both eye and skin health. Community members also shared personal stories about how vision and skin issues have affected their work, underscoring the importance of regular health screenings and access to information.

    Looking Ahead

    As World Sight Day draws attention globally to the importance of eye health, ACA’s localized celebration in Juaso highlights how targeted, community-driven initiatives can make a tangible impact. The collaboration between ACA, Kaeme Cosmetics, and Bohten Eyewear shows a powerful model of public-private partnership focused on sustainable development and human-centered care.

  • ACA builds climate resilience capacity in Nkoranza South

    As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen community adaptation to climate change, Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA) continues to empower local networks to lead sustainable development initiatives across its partner communities.

    In the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region, the Citizens Committee Network (CiCoNet), an advocacy arm of ACA, has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the impacts of climate change through a capacity-building workshop on climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

    The workshop, organized by ACA for CiCoNet, brought together 90 participants from 20 communities within the municipality. Its goal was to deepen community understanding of climate change, promote the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, and explore alternative livelihood strategies to help households thrive amid growing environmental challenges.

    Facilitated by Dr. Kwabina Ibrahim, ACA’s Science Lead, the sessions offered participants practical insights into climate adaptation measures, sustainable agricultural practices, and community-led strategies for mitigating climate risks.

    Dr. Ibrahim underscored the importance of integrating climate awareness into daily activities, emphasizing that: “communities must become climate-oriented to ensure that their livelihoods remain sustainable and thriving despite changing weather conditions.”

    During discussions, Mr. Daniel Akake, a CiCoNet representative from Kyekyewere, called for access to localized rainfall data to better prepare for drought conditions, highlighting the vital role of climate information in community-based planning and resilience building.

    Mrs. So Abapa Boateng, ACA’s Community Trainer in Nkoranza South, reiterated ACA’s commitment to supporting communities through knowledge sharing and innovation and encouraged CiCoNet members to share the knowledge gained with their respective communities and to document best practices for possible replication elsewhere.

    She emphasized that CiCoNet must continue to serve as the active voice of communities at the municipal level, ensuring that community-driven development benefits everyone.

  • From classroom to community: Delta State University scientists and students take science into the field

    What happens when students leave their lecture halls and step into farms, boreholes, and villages? At Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria, they found out. A community science training workshop, led by Dr. Ibrahim, the main resource person, moved science beyond theory—teaching lecturers, researchers, and students how to practice science with communities, not just for them. The aim was to build a pipeline of local expertise that listens first, tests carefully, and turns results into action.

    Supported by Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), the sessions blended short lectures with hands-on practicums. Dr. Ibrahim guided participants through the fundamentals of community science, using manuals specially prepared for the training. These manuals covered practical steps—from sampling protocols to interpreting results—and became take-home references for participants, ensuring the learning wouldn’t end with the workshop.

    Student teams worked alongside faculty to design simple, rigorous protocols: how to plan a sampling route, label and store samples, document field conditions, and present results in plain language. For many, it was the first time method met real-world urgency.

    Paul Adjekota, an ACA Science Fellow, mentored mixed groups of students and staff, emphasizing how data should drive decisions. “It’s not just the number,” he reminded them. “It’s what the number makes you do next.”

    Professor Oghenero Ohwoghere-Asuma deepened the water-quality module, showing students how to evaluate borehole placement and interpret coliform results without jargon. In field drills, students practiced pumping and purging, sterile collection, and chain-of-custody steps—then presented what those results would mean to a village committee.

    Dr. (Mrs.) Abushe led the organic manure exercise, turning a patch of ground into a living lab. Students laid out small plots, applied manure at different rates, and logged changes in soil structure and crop vigor. Back in the lab, they compared soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient readings, linking them directly to what they had seen in the field.

    Students’ voices shaped the week. A final-year student admitted: “I used to think statistics ended at the spreadsheet. Now I see how a clear chart can change how a farmer spends money.” A master’s candidate added: “Designing a protocol with the community made me tighten my methods—and my explanations.”

    By the end, the cohort co-authored mini briefs pairing data with action points: move boreholes away from septic systems; lime acidic soils using affordable local materials; combine organic manure with targeted fertilizer only where tests show a gap. Lecturers committed to embedding these modules in their teaching, and students proposed capstones that would return to partner communities to track outcomes in the next farming season.

    The impact is already visible. Equipped with manuals and new skills, small mixed teams of students and staff are ready to support water testing in Igbogidi, soil clinics in DSC and Orhuwhorun, and follow-up trials on organic amendments.

    Delta State University’s lesson is clear: when scientists and students learn to listen, test, and explain, knowledge flows in both ways. Community gains practical tools; the university gains relevance; and a new generation leaves campus ready to turn evidence into healthier water, stronger soils, and better harvests.

  • Can Organic Manure Feed Us? Lessons from a Pilot in DSC

    Across Nigeria, farmers face a hard choice. Chemical fertilizers boost yields quickly, but they are expensive and damage the soil over time. Organic manure is cheaper, safer, and eco-friendly—but many farmers doubt whether it can produce enough food. At the Delta Steel Company (DSC) estate, located at Ovwian-Aladja in the Western Niger Delta, a group of farmers set out to find answers for themselves.

    With support from Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they designed a simple experiment. Crops were grown with different amounts of organic manure—5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare—and compared with crops grown using chemical fertilizers alone. For the farmers, it was a chance not just to be taught, but to see and measure the difference with their own eyes.

    The results were clear. Crops treated with well-prepared organic manure produced stronger yields than those grown with chemicals alone. The soil also showed signs of recovery: better structure, improved fertility, and more resilience against erosion. For farmers used to watching their land grow weaker year after year, the change was encouraging.

    Still, the experiment revealed an important lesson—balance matters. Too much manure could cause odor or waterlogging, while too little would not make a difference. The key was to know the right type, the right amount, and the right timing. As one participant put it: “Before, I thought only the fertilizer in the white bag could make crops grow. Now I see that what comes from our animals can feed the soil too.”

    For the DSC farmers, this small pilot was more than a test of manure. It was a glimpse of a future where farming is affordable, sustainable, and healthier for the land. By embracing organic methods, they can reduce dependence on costly chemicals, protect their environment, and still feed their families.

    The lesson is simple but powerful: what we once saw as waste can become a resource. And when farmers themselves lead the way, the solutions are not only practical—they are lasting.

  • Farming under pressure: How Orhuwhorun farmers discovered the secrets of their soil

    In Orhuwhorun, urbanization is closing in fast. Farmland is shrinking, but families still need to eat. To survive, farmers plant the same plots repeatedly, pouring on fertilizer in the hope of rescuing their crops. The result has been rising costs, declining yields, and growing frustration.

    In December 2024, twelve farmers came together to try something different in the town, located in the north-eastern part of the Udu Local Government Area of Delta State in Nigeria. With the support of Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they turned to community science—a way to put scientific tools in the hands of ordinary people. For many, it was the first time they heard that soil itself could be tested, and that its hidden properties could reveal why crops were struggling.

    The training was simple but powerful. Farmers learned how to collect soil samples properly, drying and sieving them before sending them to the lab. They asked questions, shared doubts, and slowly began to see the soil not as a mystery, but as something that could be understood.

    When the results arrived, the findings spoke volumes. Nitrogen levels were acceptable, but phosphorus and potassium—the nutrients plants need most—were often low. Some soils were highly acidic, while others had very high conductivity, meaning valuable nutrients could easily wash away. Suddenly, the yellowing cassava leaves, and stunted maize crops made sense.

    The farmers also discovered that solutions were within reach. They could neutralize acidity by using locally available materials such as burnt palm bunch stems or dolomitic lime. They could restore fertility with organic manure and protect the soil by planting cover crops like melon or ground nuts. One farmer said: “I used to think fertilizer is fertilizer. Now I know the soil tells me which one to use and how much.” Another added: “I finally understand why my cassava kept failing—it wasn’t bad luck; it was the soil.”

    What began as a small workshop became a turning point. The farmers left with confidence, knowing that science was not beyond their reach. They understood that farming smarter—not harder—was the way forward, even on shrinking land.

    The lesson from Orhuwhorun is clear: when communities are empowered with knowledge, they can protect their soil, reduce waste, and secure food for their families. Science, once distant and abstract, has become a tool in their hands—a tool they can use to farm with hope instead of despair.

  • Reviving the Soil: Farmers in DSC take science into their own hands

    On the farmlands of the Delta Steel Company (DSC) estate, harvests were shrinking year after year. Farmers tried everything they knew—chemical fertilizers, poultry droppings, even crop rotation—but the land seemed exhausted. Fertilizer costs rose while yields fell, and frustration grew.

    In late 2024, a group of farmers decided to confront the problem differently. With support from Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they were introduced to community science—an approach that puts scientific tools directly in the hands of local people. They learned that soil could be tested just like water, and that understanding its “health” could explain why crops were failing.

    The training was practical. Farmers were shown how to clear a patch, dig to 30 cm, collect soil from corners and the base, mix it, dry it in the shade, sieve it, and package it for testing. For many, it was the first time they realized the soil itself could speak—if only someone asked it the right questions.

    When the results came back, the findings made sense of their struggles. The soil was acidic, organic matter was very low, and nutrients like phosphorus and potassium were severely deficient. No wonder crops were yellowing, stunted, or yielding poorly—fertilizers were being applied blindly, sometimes making the situation worse.

    But the story didn’t end with problems. Together, the farmers explored solutions: liming with affordable local materials such as wood ash, periwinkle shells, or ground eggshells; adding fermented cow dung to boost organic matter; and applying fertilizers only when and where the soil demanded it. One farmer reflected: “Before, I thought if harvest was poor, I should just add more fertilizer. Now I know the soil must be tested first.”

    The experience transformed how the community thought about farming. They learned that soil testing not only improves yields but also saves money, prevents waste, and protects health. Instead of relying on guesswork, they now have the knowledge to farm smarter and restore the land.

    The message from DSC is powerful: even “tired” soil can be revived when farmers are empowered with science. And when communities can diagnose their land for themselves, they no longer wait helplessly; they act, protect their livelihoods, and secure their future.

  • Roots of hope: CiCoNet communities in Nkoranza and Osino plant for the future

    In Nkoranza and Osino, members of the Citizens’ Committee Network (CiCoNet) came together to do more than plant trees—they planted resilience. Faced with hotter days, declining soil fertility, and shrinking green cover, these communities, supported by Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), joined hands to restore their environment one seedling at a time.

    The exercise blended action with education. CiCoNet members, alongside schoolchildren, farmers, and youth groups, discussed why trees matter: they safeguard water sources, enrich soils, provide shade, and buffer the effects of climate change. The seedlings—chosen carefully for the local environment—included both fast-growing species for soil protection and indigenous trees to restore biodiversity.

    In Nkoranza, the local office of the Forestry Commission supported the exercise by donating and supplying seedlings. Schoolchildren proudly carried these young trees to their planting spots, eager to nurture them into the future. One student declared: “This is my tree. I will water it and watch it grow.”

    In Osino, farmers reflected on the past. An elder recalled: “When I was young, our farms had shade and streams. Today the sun is harsher, and the soil is tired. These trees will bring life back.”

    The training emphasized sustainability as much as planting. CiCoNet members and local committees learned how to care for seedlings, protect them from livestock, and monitor their growth. Follow-up visits were planned to ensure the trees would survive and flourish.

    By the end of the day, hundreds of seedlings had taken root—but something deeper had also been planted: a renewed sense of ownership and hope. For Nkoranza and Osino, tree planting through CiCoNet was not just symbolic. It was a living commitment to climate resilience, stronger communities, and healthier futures for generations to come.

  • Igbogidi community takes action to protect their water

    When Paul Adjekota, a Science Fellow with Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), first visited Igbogidi in southern Nigeria, he noticed something alarming: boreholes drilled just a few feet from septic systems.

    Concerned about possible contamination, Paul shared his observation with local leaders. The community agreed — something had to be done.

    The Power of Participation

    Over a dozen community members — including farmers, traders, youth, and elderly people, stepped up to be part of the solution. Under the guidance of Professor Oghenero Asuma, a hydrogeologist from Delta State University, they began learning how to collect and test water samples themselves.

    “I don’t have much schooling,” one mother said during their first meeting, “but I know this is important for our children.”

    What the tests revealed

    Water samples from six sources — four boreholes and two wells — revealed some serious concerns:

    • pH levels ranged from 3.8 to 5.3, meaning the water was acidic and unsafe to drink.
    • Coliform bacteria (1–7 cfu/ml) were present in all samples, indicating contamination likely from nearby septic systems.
    • No heavy metals were found, offering some reassurance that there was no dangerous presence of lead, chromium, or nickel.

    From information to action

    Instead of creating fear, the test results sparked a wave of positive change:

    • Families have begun boiling their water or using chlorine drops to make it safer for drinking.
    • Some households have also started experimenting with periwinkle shells, a local resource, to help reduce acidity in their water.
    • The community made a firm decision to enforce safe distances and proper depth when siting in new boreholes.

    One youth leader shared, “If someone wants to drill a borehole tomorrow, I now know the right depth and distance to insist on.” Another added, “Before, I just fetched water. Now, I understand what makes water safe or dangerous.”

    Planning for the future

    Igbogidi isn’t stopping here. The community has committed to:

    • Repeat water testing every three years
    • Share their knowledge with neighboring villages
    • Monitor future water projects closely

    Already, nearby communities are starting to ask questions about their own water sources — a ripple effect of awareness and empowerment.

    A Model for West Africa

    Igbogidi’s experience is a powerful example of what can happen when science meets community action. In many parts of West Africa, poor borehole placement still threatens public health. But by combining expert guidance with local involvement, communities can take control — ensuring clean, safe water for generations to come.

  • Enduring multiple hazards due to railway construction: The sad story of the Sekosuria Community

    The Sekosuria community, located in the Forécariah Prefecture within Guinea’s Kindia Region, continues to suffer the consequences of an ongoing railway and port construction project near the Morebayah estuary, just a few kilometers away. What was once a quiet rural area is now plagued by environmental disruptions that threaten livelihoods, safety, and health.

    Tunnel construction causing alarm

    A tunnel currently being excavated as part of the Simandou iron ore railway project — around 11.8 kilometers from the Kuru Mountains, south of the Fouta Djallon Highlands — is a major source of concern. Residents report persistent blast noise and ground vibrations from the railway work, which they say are damaging their homes.

    Cracks in buildings and a collapsing Health Post

    Community members shared that the constant blasting has caused cracks in both old and newly built structures, weakening them significantly and turning them into potential death traps. During a recent visit, residents pointed out multiple affected buildings, including one that reportedly collapsed due to vibrations.

    Even a newly constructed health post — a critical resource donated to the community — has developed widespread cracks, raising serious safety concerns.

    Noise and water pollution add to woes

    Beyond the structural damage, noise pollution is a daily challenge. The community also reported pollution of their main river, allegedly due to sewage discharge from the construction camp. This issue is particularly noticeable during the rainy season, when runoff becomes more intense.

    Dust pollution is another pressing concern. Construction-related vehicles, often moving in convoys, generate thick clouds of dust on the access roads. According to residents, “You must park off the road for them to pass.” They also noted that mud from bridge construction sites is washing into fertile farmland, threatening the stream that supports their vegetable cultivation.

    About the project

    The construction work is part of the Simandou iron ore project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped iron ore reserves. The project, spearheaded by the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), involves building a 650-kilometer railway from the Simandou mountain range to a new port near the coast. While the project promises significant economic benefits to Guinea, its environmental and social costs are becoming evident in communities like Sekosuria.

    Despite repeated complaints, residents say their grievances have been ignored by both the project authorities and government officials. As of the time of reporting, attempts to obtain comments from the Winning Consortium Simandou and relevant government representatives have not been successful.

    What can be done?

    Community members are calling for urgent attention and action. Potential steps that stakeholders can take include:

    • Conducting independent environmental and structural impact assessments in affected communities.
    • Providing compensation to families whose homes or farmland have been damaged.
    • Establishing a formal grievance mechanism that allows community members to report issues and receive responses.
    • Implementing dust and wastewater control measures to mitigate environmental damage.
    • Improving communication and transparency between the community, construction teams, and government officials.

    As development projects like Simandou progress, the voices of local communities must not be drowned out by the noise of construction. Without mitigation and inclusion, infrastructure meant to drive national progress could leave some communities behind — or buried beneath it.