How can we support our Foundation partners to manage the impacts of the changing climate, so ensuring sustainability of livelihoods?

The project aims to strengthen climate resilience and livelihood security among pineapple and coconut farmers in Ghana by reducing soil degradation and environmental harm caused by plastic agricultural mulch. It introduces coconut coir mulch as a biodegradable alternative made from coconut processing waste and aligned with circular economy principles. It also supports the Blue Skies Ghana supply chain through sustainable inputs and expands local production and distribution of coir mulch in partnership with COCO360, aiming to create inclusive employment opportunities for women and men. Economic modelling identifies cost and benefit drivers to guide commercial viability, and supply chain mapping analyses links between coconut and pineapple value chains. Training workshops intend to equip farmers with practical skills in regenerative agriculture and sustainable input use, and field research gathers farmer perspectives to guide supportive policy development. The project supports at least 100 farmers and 100 workers through training and employment, and progress is measured through increased mulch production, improved soil practices, reduced plastic use, and stronger livelihoods. The work aims to deliver a scalable, locally grounded model for climate-resilient agriculture supported by viable markets, practical skills, and policy engagement.

The project is a co-funding for SMEP Plastics Procurement Intervention, funded by Waitroe and Partners Foundation. The total amount of funding is £100,000, with £18,750 as the UH share, and for key contributions to work packages 2 and 3.