ACCELERATING IMPACTS OF CGIAR CLIMATE RESEARCH FOR AFRICA (AICCRA) ADDITIONAL FINANCING (AF – P181150) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR Pilot of Climate Smart Agricultural Innovations and Climate Information Service Technologies in Ghana Prepared by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI); University for Development Studies (UDS); Plant Protection Regulatory Directory (PPRSD). May 2024 1 Table of Contents 1.0 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................... 12 1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 12 1.2 Scope of work........................................................................................................................ 13 1.3 Rationale for the Preparation of the ESMP ........................................................................... 16 1.4 Purpose, Objectives, and Scope of the ESMP ....................................................................... 16 1.5 Implementation Arrangements............................................................................................. 17 1.6 Project Intervention Sites ...................................................................................................... 17 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 18 2.1 The Focus Areas of AICCRA Additional Financing ................................................................. 18 3.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK................................................................... 19 3.1 National Legal Framework ........................................................................................................ 19 3.2 Acts and Regulations ................................................................................................................. 20 3.3 Policies and Plans ...................................................................................................................... 21 3.4 Institutional Framework ............................................................................................................ 22 3.5 World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework ................................................................ 23 3.6 Comparing national procedures and World Bank policies ........................................................ 24 3.7 AICCRA Environmental and Social Risks Management Guide ................................................... 26 4.0 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ................................................................................................ 27 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITION ............................................................. 29 5.1 Location ..................................................................................................................................... 30 5.2 Sensitive Zones .......................................................................................................................... 31 5.3 Air Quality and Noise: ............................................................................................................... 32 5.4 Rainfall, Climate, and Weather ................................................................................................. 32 5.5 Socio-economic ......................................................................................................................... 34 6.0 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS .................................... 36 1.1 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts on CSA Demonstration Plots in the Central Region............................................................................................................................. 36 1.2 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Greater Accra Region...................................................................................................................................... 41 1.3 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Upper East Region ........................................................................................................................................ 49 1.4 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Upper West Region ...................................................................................................................................... 57 1.5 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Northern Region 64 2 1.6 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Bono East Region 71 6.1 Land Rental protocol. ................................................................................................................ 80 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACT MITIGATION ............................................. 81 7.1 Assessment of Potential E&S Risks and Impacts, and mitigation measures ............................. 81 7.1 Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Management Plan Summary ............................. 83 7.2 Chance Find Procedures............................................................................................................ 87 7.3 Pest Management Plan ............................................................................................................. 87 7.4 Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities for Implementing the ESMP ......................... 95 7.5 Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building for ESMP Implementation ......................... 95 7.6 Grievance Mechanism............................................................................................................... 96 7.7 The CGIAR Grievance Mechanism............................................................................................. 96 7.8 AICCRA-Ghana Grievance Mechanism ...................................................................................... 98 7.9 SEA/SH Grievance Mechanism .................................................................................................. 99 7.10 Public Consultation, Participation, and Information Disclosure ............................................... 99 7.11 Environmental and Social Monitoring, Reporting, and Completion Audit ............................. 100 7.12 Indicative Budget for Implementation of ESMP. ..................................................................... 101 7.13 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 101 List of Table Table 1: Confirmed value chains/crops to be piloted on each demonstration site. ............................. 13 Table 2: CSA/CIS innovation/technologies to be piloted on each value chain and plot. ...................... 15 Table 3: Roles and responsibilities on AICCRA Ghana Partners on CSA demonstrations. ..................... 17 Table 4: Relevant Acts and Regulations................................................................................................. 20 Table 5: Relevant Policies and Plans...................................................................................................... 21 Table 6: Relevant National Institutional Framework ............................................................................. 22 Table 7: Comparison between national procedures and World Bank policies ..................................... 24 Table 8: Location of Project Intervention Districts ................................................................................ 30 Table 9: Sensitive Zones in Project Intervention Districts ..................................................................... 31 Table 10: Rainfall, Climate, and Weather Pattern of Project Intervention Zones ................................. 32 Table 11: Socio-economic indices of project intervention districts ...................................................... 34 Table 12 : Potential E&S Risks and Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 81 Table 13: Environmental and Social Risk and Impacts Management Plan ............................................ 83 Table 14: Pest Management Strategy ................................................................................................... 87 Table 15 : WHO Classification of Pesticides by Hazard.......................................................................... 92 Table 16 : WHO classification Level of Proposed Pesticides to be used on CSA demonstration plots.. 92 Table 17: Institutional Roles and Responsibilities in the implementation of the ESMP. ....................... 95 Table 18: Indicative Budget ................................................................................................................. 101 3 Acronyms AICCRA Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa CIS Climate Information Services CoC Code of Conduct CSA Climate Smart Agricultural E&S Environmental and Social Risks EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESF Environmental and Social Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESRM Environmental and Social Risk Management IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture MMDAs Municipal and District Assemblies MoFA Ministry of Food and Agriculture OHS Occupational Health and Safety PPE Personal Protective Equipment PU Polyurethane PWD Persons with Disabilities SEA Sexual Exploitation and Abuse SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan SH Sexual Harassment UDS University for Development Studies 4 Executive Summary Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a project being implement in Africa to deliver a climate-smart future for the continent through innovative agricultural practices driven by science. The project is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and Centre for International Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. AICCRA is currently being implemented in six focus countries: Senegal, Mali, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia, with scale up activities at the Western, Eastern and Southern Africa regions. The AICCRA Ghana Project through the Additional Financing intends to set up 45 Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) demonstration farms across 45 farming communities in 13 districts of 6 regions in Ghana. The CSA innovation and Climate Information Services (CIS) technology in Ghana will be led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) with technical support from Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI); Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI); University for Development Studies (UDS); Plant Protection Regulatory Directory (PPRSD), Farmeline, Syecomp Limited, and International Water Management Institute (IWMI). As envisaged, the pilot of CSA innovations, and CIS technologies on farmers’ fields is expected to lead to environmental and social risks at the sites identified for demonstrations. In line with this expectation and following the requirements of the project’s Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) guide, the AICCRA-Ghana team conducted site specific screening of farm plots identified for CSA demonstrations in May 2024. The screening exercise confirmed the presence of a range of Environmental and Social (E&S) risks, which if not mitigated, could cause harm to people and the environment. In response, the AICCRA-Ghana team has prepared this Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to guide the mitigation and response to the environmental and social (E&S) risks identified on farm plots proposed for pilot of CSA innovations under the implementation of AICCRA project activities in Ghana. This ESMP has been consulted upon with key project stakeholders and would be disclosed prior to the commencement of project activities. This ESMP is a living document, which will be updated and re- disclosed as and when new risks or new CSA demonstration sites are identified. Scope of work This section provides the scope of work and in particular the description of selected value chains and a bundle of CSA innovations and CIS technologies that AICCRA-Ghana intends to test, pilot, and validate in farmers’ fields to expand awareness and application of relevant climate adaptations among farmers. Selected Value Chains/Crops Based on the food crop production pattern in Ghana and the priorities of farmers in the major food production areas, the AICCRA-Ghana team has selected 6 major food crops for the demonstration of CSA/CIS innovations on their production value chains. These value chains are yam, maize, cowpea, tomato, groundnut, and sweet potato. The pilot of CSA/CIS innovations on these crops will occur in 6 of the 16 administrative regions in Ghana. The selection of these regions was informed by their dominance in the respective crop production, and reflections on other parallel CSA/CIS demonstrations happening across the country. Table below provides the matrix of the regions, districts, communities, and selected value chains to be piloted. 5 Region District/Municipal Communities Specific Commodity Number /Metropolitan Area of plots Central Region Cape Coast 3rd Ridge Sweet Potato 1 Metropolitan Akotokyi Sweet Potato 1 Efutu Sweet Potato 1 KEEA Esaa Sweet Potato 1 Dabri Sweet Potato 1 Amissano Sweet Potato 1 Bono East Region Kintampo North Techira No. 1 Yam, maize & Cowpea 1 Asantekwaa 1 Kobeda 1 Kintampo South Nante Zongo Yam, maize & Cowpea 1 Kwabea 1 Yamoakrom 1 Techiman North Atrensu Yam, maize & Cowpea 1 Kokroko 1 Asueye 1 Northern Region Tolon Tali Botigle Yam, Groundnut, maize& 1 Gbanjong Cowpea, and Sweet Potato 1 Kumbungu Zoolanyili Yam, Groundnut, maize, 1 Jakphi-kukuo Cowpea, & Sweet Potato 1 Kunkulung 1 Gbanzogu 1 Biegu 1 Upper East Region Bongo Asebra Maize, Groundnut, Cowpea, 1 Lungo & Tomatoes 1 Dua 1 Adaboya 1 Kasena Nankana Doba Maize, Groundnut, Cowpea, 1 Kalogo-Tindango & Tomatoes 1 Vunania 1 Pungyoro 1 Upper West Region Lawra Yagtuuri Maize, Groundnut & Cowpea 1 Tabier 1 Babile Kunyukuo 1 Jirapa Jeffire Maize, Groundnut & Cowpea 1 Kulkarni 1 Wulling 1 Baazu 1 Region: Greater Accra Ga South Torga Tomato, maize & Cowpea, 1 Akweiman 1 Buum 1 Ningo Prampram Adjumador Tomato, maize& Cowpea, 1 Afienya 1 Mmobole 1 Gbwesome 1 Kpacheremdor 1 CSA/CIS Innovations and Technologies to be piloted. Overall, the AICCRA-Ghana will focus on providing technical advisory to farmers on improved seeds and farm inputs, soil fertility management, biopesticides (use of biological extracts and bio-control agents), pest and disease management (pest alerts on maize, tomato scouting, safe use of agrochemicals), crop production techniques (site selection, land preparation, planting, weeding, etc.), 6 weather pattern (onset of rains, cessation of rains, dry spells, amount of rains expected, daily/weekly forecast, temperature, etc.). Table below provides breakdown and specific details on proposed CSA/CIS innovation technologies for each value chain selected for pilot activities. These proposed innovations include CSA innovations adapted from farmers through previous collaborative efforts on climate change adaptions activities on farming. Value Chain CSA/CIS Innovations/Technologies Yam Biological soil and seed treatment (application of neem leaf powder to treat soil and ash to treat seed yam before planting Seedbed options- Ridging as an alternative to mounding for yam production Staking options-Trellis/Minimum staking to reduce deforestation in yam production Promotion of seed yam multiplication technologies (mini-sett technology; aeroponics and hydroponics technologies) Organic amendment for improving soil health Enhancing access to climate information Sweet Potato Vine technology (cutting and planting) Promotion of vine multiplication technologies (aeroponics and hydroponics technologies) Biocontrol of the sweet potato weevil Organic amendment for improving soil health / Leguminous crops as previous crop Enhancing access to climate information Maize, Cowpea Minimum tillage for maize, cowpea Promotion of stress (drought, early maturing, striga and low N) tolerant improved maize, and cowpea varieties Promotion of disease and pest tolerant maize, and cowpea varieties Enhanced biopesticide use in maize and cowpea systems Mucuna pruriens or cowpea /maize intercropping or rotation to build soil C stocks Promotion of dual-purpose cowpea (grain and fodder) Organic amendment for improving soil health / Leguminous crops as previous crop Enhancing access to climate information Contour stone bunds or contour tillage with tied ridges (Zero or minimal rates of rainfall run-off and soil erosion) Tomatoes Contour stone bunds or contour tillage with tied ridges (Zero or minimal rates of rainfall run-off and soil erosion) Promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation for vegetable farming Organic amendment for improving soil health / Leguminous crops as previous crop Enhancing access to climate information Enhanced biopesticide use in maize and cowpea systems Groundnut Improved groundnut seed varieties (drought and disease-resistant) Biopesticide for managing groundnut pests and diseases Organic amendment for improving soil health Minimum tillage for groundnut production Enhancing access to climate information Crop rotation with legumes to improve soil fertility New Arrangement for AF In the AF, the cluster will focus on disseminating CSA innovations in both new and existing communities. The CSA hub will be established at two levels: district and community. 7 At the district level (Level 1), a CSA hub will be set up, forming a working group. The members of this hub will work collaboratively to promote and implement CSA practices. At the community level (Level 2), a hub will be formed in each community, consisting of 50 selected farmers. These farmers will receive extensive training and will be responsible for disseminating CSA innovations to 20 additional farmers, creating a wider network. The AICCRA Ghana team has partnered with new service providers, Farmeline and Syecomp Limited. Farmeline will facilitate the adoption of the chosen technologies in the old communities by providing crucial adoption enablers such as input credit and improved seeds. Additionally, Farmerline will offer support with Climate Information Services (CIS) in local languages, making the information more accessible and actionable for the farmers. Syecomp will profile farmers in new intervention communities and deploy AICCRA innovations to these farmers. They will co-design and disseminate site-specific CIS and advisories, including Early Warning Pest and Disease Alerts for priority value chains, ensuring the innovations are communicated effectively in location-specific languages. Syecomp will also develop and disseminate thematic bundles to enhance the farmers' resilience and productivity. Implementation Arrangements for the Pilot of CSA Innovation. The table below provides the breakdown of roles and responsibilities on various partners that will oversee the implementation of CSA-CIS pilot initiatives under AICCRA Ghana. Organization/Institution Project management and intervention scope IITA • Overall Project coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. • Overall coordination and management of environmental and social risks. • Training, CSA awareness and workshops coordination. • Provide overall technical and scientific backstopping towards refining and adapting Climate-smart One-health approaches and technologies. • Upgrading One-health approaches and technologies within the Regional Centers of Excellence (Roots & Tubers-Ghana, Maize-Benin). • Recruitment and management of farm laborers. CSIR-Crops Research • Leads the creation of CSA Hubs in six regions. Institute (CSIR-CRI) • Selects climate-smart farmers in collaboration with IITA and other CGIAR centers. • Develops Smart Seeds for CSA-CIS bundling. • Organizes demonstrations and farmer field days. • Coordinates scaling activities in Ghana. • Submits activity reports and consolidates OICRs. Ministry of Food and • Co-leads activities for operationalizing Ghana EWRRS-PD. Agriculture (MoFA) - Plant • Leads biopesticide and biocontrol trials under the CS-IPM framework. Protection and Regulatory • Promotes and commercializes bio-agents. Services Directorate (PPRSD) • Contributes to scaling intelligence in Ghana. • Submits activity reports and consolidates OICRs. University for Development • Co-leads the creation of CSA Hubs and maps users’ needs. Studies (UDS) • Supports MEL and Sustainable Finance work. • Contributes to scaling intelligence in Ghana. • Submits activity reports and consolidates OICRs. Farm Radio International • Promotes AICCRA innovations to 300,000+ farmers across six regions. • Engages with communities to promote listenership of radio extension programs. • Develops and deploys radio extension programs. • Reports on farmer reach and impact. Farmeline • Targets 50,000 farmers (40% women) to use AICCRA innovations. • Develops and disseminates thematic bundles to old intervention districts. 8 • Implements a business model to finance access to these bundles. • Reports and provides evidence of reach and use of these bundles. SYECOMP • Profiles 100,000 new farmers (40% women) in new intervention communities. • Deploys AICCRA innovations to these farmers. • Co-designs site-specific CIS and advisories. • Develops and disseminates thematic bundles. • Reports on beneficiaries reached and provides evidence of impact. Purpose, Objectives, and Scope of the ESMP The purpose of this ESMP is to consider and develop proper measures and controls to decrease the potential for environmental degradation during all phases of the project, and to provide clearly defined action plans and emergency response procedures to account for human and environmental health and safety. This ESMP provides a practical plan to mitigate and respond to the potential E&S risks identified for the proposed CSA demonstration plots. The specific objectives of the ESMP are to: i. Provide an assessment of the environmental and social risks of project activities and sites proposed for CSA demonstrations. ii. Identifying and addressing relevant national and international legal requirements and guidelines. iii. Describe relevant baseline environmental and social conditions. iv. Detail the measures to be taken during the implementation and operation of a project to eliminate, mitigate or offset adverse environmental and social impacts or reduce them to acceptable levels. v. Develop environmental & social management and monitoring plans in compliance with the relevant environmental laws. vi. Document and address environmental and social concerns raised by stakeholders and the public in consultation events and activities. Relevant National Acts, Policies, and Regulations # Acts and Regulation Applicability/Relevance to the Project 1. Environmental Protection Act, 1994 The proposed intervention does not fall under the category of agricultural activities for (ACT 490)- which a prior environmental permit is required before commencement. The project team would not need to seek a permit from the EPA and involve them in the monitoring of E&S mitigation measures. 2. The Forest Protection (Amendment) The intervention sites are not located in protected areas. The project team must ensure that Act 2002 (Act 624) any activities within or near forest areas comply with this act to prevent illegal logging and protect forest resources. 3. The Labor Act 2003 (Act 641) The establishment of the CSA demonstration plots will involve the use of contracted workers for which the project team must follow guidelines provided in this act to ensure sound working conditions for workers and eliminate potential occupational health and safety hazards for workers. 4. The Children’s Act 1998, Act 560 The project team must ensure that child labor is not used during field activities. 5. Ghana Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) The project team will need to eliminate barriers that could impede the active participation and learning of farmers with disabilities in in CSA demonstration plots and their access to CIS. 6. Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, The project team would have to ensure that the siting of the CSA demonstration plots is 2016 (Act, 926) compatible with the regional and local land use and spatial plan. 7. Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936 The AICCRA Ghana Team will need to inform respective MDAs and rally their support for the establishment of CSA demonstration plots under their jurisdiction. 8. Workmen’s Compensation Law 1987 The project team must follow guidelines provided in this act to ensure sound working (PNDCL 187) conditions and compensation in cases of personal injuries caused by accidents arising out and in the course of their employment. 9 # Acts and Regulation Applicability/Relevance to the Project 9. National Environmental Policy, 2013 Specific policy actions that will be beneficial and relevant to the AICCRA Project implementation will include among others, measures to control water pollution and policy measures to protect critical ecosystems, including the flora and fauna in the project areas. 10. National Water Policy, June 2007 The Policy outlines various issues related to water-use and the links to other sectoral policies such as agriculture and food security, which is relevant for the project implementation. 11. The Water Use Regulations 2001, LI In Dua, Adaboya, Vunama, and Asebra communities, the project is likely to use existing dam 1692 or water sources for dry season irrigation activities. Therefore, it must ensure sustainable use of water resources in accordance with this regulation. 12. Forest and Wildlife Policy, 2012 The AICCRA project team will need to take actions for conserving and protecting the integrity of the forest and wildlife resources in project areas. 13. Ghana National Climate Change The pilot CSA innovations in Ghana are a form of effective climate adaptation interventions to Policy, 2013 improve agriculture and food security in Ghana. The AICCRA-Ghana team would therefore need to conduct the pilot of the CSA innovations in accordance with policy objectives, principles and actions outlined under the agriculture and food security thematic area of the policy. 14. National Land Policy, 1999 The AICCRA Ghana Team will need to take this policy into consideration in the selection of plots for CSA demonstrations. 15. Plant and Fertilizer Act, 2010 (Act 803) The AICCRA Ghana team and partners should ensure that the use of fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals is regulated, ensuring safety and environmental sustainability in agricultural practices. 16. Pesticides Control and Management The Act controls the import, sale, and use of pesticides in agriculture, ensuring they are used Act, 1996 (Act 528) safely and effectively to protect public health and the environment. The pesticides that will be used for the AICCRA project should be authorized and use in safe conditions. 17. Plants and Fertilizer Act 2010 (Act The project must adhere to regulations governing the use of plants and fertilizers to ensure 803) environmental sustainability and safety. 18. Occupational Safety and Health Policy The project team must ensure compliance with occupational safety and health standards to of Ghana, 2014 protect farmers and other workers involved in the project. Potential E&S Risks and Mitigation measures Type of risk Potential Proposed mitigation measures impact Pesticide and other Air, water, and • Promote good farming practices that use fewer chemical inputs as per the chemical use for land pollution. integrated pest management procedures. agricultural activities • Resort to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides as a last pest mitigation at all project sites. measure. • Use pesticides approved by the national government, in particular this project prohibits the use of glyphosate. • Integrate training of workers and farmers in the proper handling and disposal of chemical residue and cans. • Comply with prescriptions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. • Follow pesticide storage procedures contained in the safety data sheets. • Consider the direction of the wind during phytosanitary treatments and do not spray against the direction of the wind. • Provide appropriate protective clothing and equipment i.e., protective googles, hand gloves, air purifying disposable/washable masks, neoprene gloves, chemical resistant hats. • Provide training on the appropriate use of all protective clothing. • Avoid practices likely to cause unintentional emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as open burning of agricultural residues treated with pesticides. • Prohibit indiscriminate disposal and littering of farmland with empty agrochemical containers to avoid being used for drinking. • Provide waste bins for safe keeping of used agrochemical cans at all project sites and safely collect them from farmers for disposal. • Explore recycling and disposal schemes with local service providers. 10 Type of risk Potential Proposed mitigation measures impact Excessive water loss Water scarcity • Seek consent of community members before drawing water from a shared through irrigation community water source. pipelines at Dua, • Repair broken control points, canals, and replace damaged pipelines and water Adaboya, Vunama, holes. Asebra • Train workers and farmers in the proper handling of water control points and pipelines. • Use drip irrigation method for demonstration to facilitate effective water conservation. • Conduct water balance assessment to ensure community dugouts are not over- abstracted because of this project. Burning of cleared Air pollution • Set prohibitions on burning of cleared weeds and waste at project sites. weeds and other • Sensitize all project workers and farmers on this prohibition. residual materials at • Convert weeds cleared into organic manure for use as mulch. all project sites • Regular supervision of demonstration plots to prevent bush and waste burning at sites. Occupational health Injuries, • Include OH&S requirements in workers Code of Conduct (CoC). and safety (OH&S) at accidents, • Provide OH&S orientation to workers, visiting farmers and other stakeholders. all project sites disruption of • Procure and provide relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff workflow etc. working on demonstration sites, visiting farmers and other stakeholders as and when needed. o The minimum PPE includes safety shoes and coveralls. o Pesticide treatments will require additional PPE including protective googles, hand gloves, air purifying disposable/washable masks, neoprene gloves, chemical resistant hats. • Ensure that all equipment is maintained and in safe operating condition. • Inspect all farm equipment with the view of ascertaining its safety status before use. • Provide first aid boxes at project demonstration sites. • Provide workers and visiting farmers with access to toilets and potable drinking water. • Investigate cause of accidents at workplace and maintain a record of health and safety incidents. • Workers will have the right to refuse work in unsafe conditions. • Comply with prescriptions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. Indiscriminate Land and water • Provide waste bins at demonstration sites. disposal and pollution, • Dispose of waste at approved waste dump sites. improper handling of poisoning of • Sensitize workers and visiting farmers on waste disposal arrangements. solid waste at all terrestrial and project sites aquatic life. Transmissions of Increased • Provide information on hygiene and preventive measures. communicable spread of the • Ensure availability of handwashing facilities with soap and water at all sites. diseases during the communicable • Implement social distancing protocols as necessary. learning processes at diseases • Conduct regular health screenings for workers. all project sites • Provide PPE such as masks and gloves. • Promote vaccination among workers and residents, when needed. • Develop and implement an emergency response plan for outbreaks. 11 Type of risk Potential Proposed mitigation measures impact Sexual Exploitation Female workers • Include SEA/SH prohibitions and sanctions in Worker’s code of conduct and and Abuse being harassed. enforce compliance. (SEA)/Sexual Female farmers • Provide mandatory training and awareness raising for the workforce on SEA/SH Harassment (SH) at all and other probations. project sites community • Informing workers about national laws and institutional policies that make members being sexual harassment and gender-based violence a punishable offence. sexually • As part of Stakeholder Engagement, sensitize farmers and project communities exploited. on the risk of SEA/SH and on available resources and services. Violation of sexual privacy. • Provide safe and suitable toilets and washing facilities, separate for men and women workers, particularly during on-farm demonstrations. • Provide safe and confidential grievance channels easily accessible to all stakeholders. Child labor at all Underage • Enforced prohibitions on child labor, persons under 18 years will not be project location children permitted to work on AICCRA-Ghana demonstration plots. engaged in • Sensitize all partners and farmer groups on child labor prohibitions. hazardous work • Institute age verification for new workers before engagement. This will include national identification cards, passports, alternative methods including copies of academic certificates, testimony/affidavits from officials of the schools attended, a medical examination, statements from family members and locality/village officials/local authorities. • Develop a simple protocol in line with ESS2 of how to handle a child labor case. Exclusion of • Use local languages for all engagements and meetings with farmers. Discrimination vulnerable groups • Organize appropriate focus groups and learning sessions. against person with disability • Engage the services of sign language interpreters. • Maintain sensitivity to local culture and traditional meeting and event days. • Provide free transport services for PWDs as and when necessary. Budget The implementation of this ESMP will require an estimated amount of $33,200. Conclusion AICCRA-Ghana Cluster acknowledges that the activities and operations during the implementation of CSA technologies during AF could potentially impact on the environment, workers, communities, and is very mindful of its obligations towards the protection of the environment and ensuring the health and safety of the farmers, and the communities within the project area. AICCRA-Ghana Cluster will continue to invest in ensuring a safe environment that will assure sustainable farming operations and will also continue to undertake its activities and operations in accordance with the Ghanaian laws as well as the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework. 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Introduction Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a project being implement in Africa to deliver a climate-smart future for the continent through innovative agricultural practices driven by science. The project is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and Centre for International Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and supported by a grant from the International Development 12 Association (IDA) of the World Bank. AICCRA is currently being implemented in six focus countries: Senegal, Mali, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia, with scale up activities at the Western, Eastern and Southern Africa regions. The AICCRA Ghana Project through the Additional Financing intends to set up 45 CSA demonstration farms across 45 farming communities in 13 districts of the 6 regions in Ghana. The CSA innovation and CIS technology in Ghana will be led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) with technical support from Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Crop Research Institute (CSIR- CRI); Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI); University for Development Studies (UDS); Plant Protection Regulatory Directory (PPRSD), Farmeline, Syecomp Limited, and International Water Management Institute (IWMI). As envisaged, the pilot of CSA innovations, and CIS technologies on farmers’ fields is expected to lead to environmental and social risks at the sites identified for demonstrations. In line with this expectation and in accordance with the requirements of the project’s Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) guide, the AICCRA-Ghana team conducted site specific screening of farm plots identified for CSA demonstrations in May 2024. The screening exercise confirmed the presence of a range of Environmental and Social (E&S) risks, which if not mitigated, could cause harm to people and the environment. In response, the AICCRA-Ghana team has prepared this Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to guide the mitigation and response to the environmental and social (E&S) risks identified on farm plots proposed for pilot of CSA innovations under the implementation of AICCRA project activities in Ghana. This ESMP has been consulted upon with key project stakeholders and would be disclosed prior to the commencement of project activities. This ESMP is a living document, which will be updated and re- disclosed as and when new risks or new CSA demonstration sites are identified. 1.2 Scope of work This section provides the scope of work and in particular the description of selected value chains and a bundle of CSA innovations and CIS technologies that AICCRA-Ghana intends to test, pilot, and validate in farmers’ fields to expand awareness and application of relevant climate adaptations among farmers. Selected Value Chains/Crops Based on the food crop production pattern in Ghana and the priorities of farmers in the major food production areas, the AICCRA-Ghana team has selected 6 major food crops for the demonstration of CSA/CIS innovations on their production value chains. These value chains are yam, maize, cowpea, tomato, groundnut, and sweet potato. The pilot of CSA/CIS innovations on these crops will occur in 6 of the 16 administrative regions in Ghana. The selection of these regions was informed by their dominance in the respective crop production, and reflections on other parallel CSA/CIS demonstrations happening across the country. Table 1 below provides the matrix of the regions, districts, communities, and selected value chains to be piloted. Table 1: Confirmed value chains/crops to be piloted on each demonstration site. Region District/Municipal Communities Specific Commodity Number /Metropolitan Area of plots Central Region Cape Coast 3rd Ridge Sweet Potato 1 Metropolitan Akotokyi Sweet Potato 1 Efutu Sweet Potato 1 13 KEEA Esaa Sweet Potato 1 Dabri Sweet Potato 1 Amissano Sweet Potato 1 Bono East Region Kintampo North Techira No. 1 Yam, maize & Cowpea 1 Asantekwaa 1 Kobeda 1 Kintampo South Nante Zongo Yam, maize & Cowpea 1 Kwabea 1 Yamoakrom 1 Techiman North Atrensu Yam, maize & Cowpea 1 Kokroko 1 Asueye 1 Northern Region Tolon Tali Botigle Yam, Groundnut, maize& 1 Gbanjong Cowpea, & Sweet Potato 1 Kumbungu Zoolanyili Yam, Groundnut, maize, 1 Jakphi-kukuo Cowpea, & Sweet Potato 1 Kunkulung 1 Gbanzogu 1 Biegu 1 Upper East Region Bongo Asebra Maize, Groundnut, Cowpea, 1 Lungo & Tomatoes 1 Dua 1 Adaboya 1 Kasena Nankana Doba Maize, Groundnut, Cowpea, 1 Kalogo-Tindango & Tomatoes 1 Vunania 1 Pungyoro 1 Upper West Region Lawra Yagtuuri Maize, Groundnut & Cowpea 1 Tabier 1 Babile Kunyukuo 1 Jirapa Jeffire Maize, Groundnut & Cowpea 1 Kulkarni 1 Wulling 1 Baazu 1 Region: Greater Accra Ga South Torga Tomato, maize & Cowpea, 1 Akweiman 1 Buum 1 Ningo Prampram Adjumador Tomato, maize& Cowpea, 1 Afienya 1 Mmobole 1 Gbwesome 1 Kpacheremdor 1 CSA/CIS Innovations and Technologies to be piloted. Overall, the AICCRA-Ghana will focus on providing technical advisory to farmers on improved seeds and farm inputs, soil fertility management, biopesticides (use of biological extracts and bio-control agents), pest and disease management (pest alerts on maize, tomato scouting, safe use of agrochemicals), crop production techniques (site selection, land preparation, planting, weeding, etc.), weather pattern (onset of rains, cessation of rains, dry spells, amount of rains expected, daily/weekly forecast, temperature, etc.). Table 2 below provides breakdown and specific details on proposed 14 CSA/CIS innovation technologies for each value chain selected for pilot activities. These proposed innovations include CSA innovations adapted from farmers through previous collaborative efforts on climate change adaptions activities on farming. Table 2: CSA/CIS innovation/technologies to be piloted on each value chain and plot. Value Chain CSA/CIS Innovations/Technologies Yam Biological soil and seed treatment (application of neem leaf powder to treat soil and ash to treat seed yam before planting Seedbed options- Ridging as an alternative to mounding for yam production Staking options-Trellis/Minimum staking to reduce deforestation in yam production Promotion of seed yam multiplication technologies (mini-sett technology; aeroponics and hydroponics technologies) Organic amendment for improving soil health Enhancing access to climate information Sweet Potato Vine technology (cutting and planting) Promotion of vine multiplication technologies (aeroponics and hydroponics technologies) Biocontrol of the sweet potato weevil Organic amendment for improving soil health / Leguminous crops as previous crop Enhancing access to climate information Maize, Cowpea Minimum tillage for maize, cowpea Promotion of stress (drought, early maturing, striga and low N) tolerant improved maize, and cowpea varieties Promotion of disease and pest tolerant maize, and cowpea varieties Enhanced biopesticide use in maize and cowpea systems Mucuna pruriens or cowpea /maize intercropping or rotation to build soil C stocks Promotion of dual-purpose cowpea (grain and fodder) Organic amendment for improving soil health / Leguminous crops as previous crop Enhancing access to climate information Contour stone bunds or contour tillage with tied ridges (Zero or minimal rates of rainfall run-off and soil erosion) Tomatoes Contour stone bunds or contour tillage with tied ridges (Zero or minimal rates of rainfall run-off and soil erosion) Promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation for vegetable farming Organic amendment for improving soil health / Leguminous crops as previous crop Enhancing access to climate information Enhanced biopesticide use in maize and cowpea systems Groundnut Improved groundnut seed varieties (drought and disease-resistant) Biopesticide for managing groundnut pests and diseases Organic amendment for improving soil health Minimum tillage for groundnut production Enhancing access to climate information Crop rotation with legumes to improve soil fertility 15 New Arrangement for AF In the AF, the cluster will focus on disseminating CSA innovations in both new and existing communities. The CSA hub will be established at two levels: district and community. At the district level (Level 1), a CSA hub will be set up, forming a working group. The members of this hub will work collaboratively to promote and implement CSA practices. At the community level (Level 2), a hub will be formed in each community, consisting of 50 selected farmers. These farmers will receive extensive training and will be responsible for disseminating CSA innovations to 20 additional farmers, creating a wider network. The AICCRA Ghana team has partnered with new service providers, Farmeline and Syecomp Limited. Farmeline will facilitate the adoption of the chosen technologies in the old communities by providing crucial adoption enablers such as input credit and improved seeds. Additionally, Farmerline will offer support with Climate Information Services (CIS) in local languages, making the information more accessible and actionable for the farmers. Syecomp will profile farmers in new intervention communities and deploy AICCRA innovations to these farmers. They will co-design and disseminate site-specific CIS and advisories, including Early Warning Pest and Disease Alerts for priority value chains, ensuring the innovations are communicated effectively in location-specific languages. Syecomp will also develop and disseminate thematic bundles to enhance the farmers' resilience and productivity. 1.3 Rationale for the Preparation of the ESMP The environmental and social screening exercise conducted on proposed activities confirmed a range of E&S risks, which if not mitigated, could cause harm to people and the environment. Based on these findings, this Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is prepared to clarify (i) the measures that will be taken during the implementation of project activities to eliminate or offset adverse E&S impacts, or to reduce them to acceptable levels; and (ii) actions needed to implement these measures. 1.4 Purpose, Objectives, and Scope of the ESMP The purpose of this ESMP is to consider and develop proper measures and controls to decrease the potential for environmental degradation during all phases of the project, and to provide clearly defined action plans and emergency response procedures to account for human and environmental health and safety. This ESMP provides a practical plan to mitigate and respond to the potential E&S risks identified for the proposed CSA demonstration plots. The specific objectives of the ESMP are to: vii. Provide an assessment of the environmental and social risks of project activities and sites proposed for CSA demonstrations. viii. Identifying and addressing relevant national and international legal requirements and guidelines. ix. Describe relevant baseline environmental and social conditions. x. Detail the measures to be taken during the implementation and operation of a project to eliminate, mitigate or offset adverse environmental and social impacts or reduce them to acceptable levels. xi. Develop environmental & social management and monitoring plans in compliance with the relevant environmental laws. xii. Document and address environmental and social concerns raised by stakeholders and the public in consultation events and activities. 16 1.5 Implementation Arrangements The table below provides the breakdown of roles and responsibilities on various partners that will oversee the implementation of CSA-CIS pilot initiatives under AICCRA Ghana during the AF. Table 3: Roles and responsibilities on AICCRA Ghana Partners on CSA demonstrations. Organization/Institution Project management and intervention scope IITA • Overall Project coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. • Overall coordination and management of environmental and social risks. • Trainings, CSA awareness and workshops coordination. • Provide overall technical and scientific backstopping towards refining and adapting Climate-smart One-health approaches and technologies. • Upgrading One-health approaches and technologies within the Regional Centers of Excellence (Roots & Tubers-Ghana, Maize-Benin). • Recruitment and management of farm laborers. CSIR-Crops Research • Leads the creation of CSA Hubs in six regions. Institute (CSIR-CRI) • Selects climate-smart farmers in collaboration with IITA and other CGIAR centers. • Develops Smart Seeds for CSA-CIS bundling. • Organizes demonstrations and farmer field days. • Coordinates scaling activities in Ghana. • Submits activity reports and consolidates OICRs. Ministry of Food and • Co-leads activities for operationalizing Ghana EWRRS-PD. Agriculture (MoFA) - Plant • Leads biopesticide and biocontrol trials under the CS-IPM framework. Protection and Regulatory • Promotes and commercializes bio-agents. Services Directorate (PPRSD) • Contributes to scaling intelligence in Ghana. • Submits activity reports and consolidates OICRs. University for Development • Co-leads the creation of CSA Hubs and maps users’ needs. Studies (UDS) • Supports MEL and Sustainable Finance work. • Contributes to scaling intelligence in Ghana. • Submits activity reports and consolidates OICRs. Farm Radio International • Promotes AICCRA innovations to 300,000+ farmers across six regions. • Engages with communities to promote listenership of radio extension programs. • Develops and deploys radio extension programs. • Reports on farmer reach and impact. Farmeline • Targets 50,000 farmers (40% women) to use AICCRA innovations. • Develops and disseminates thematic bundles to old intervention districts. • Implements a business model to finance access to these bundles. • Reports and provides evidence of reach and use of these bundles. SYECOMP • Profiles 100,000 new farmers (40% women) in new intervention communities. • Deploys AICCRA innovations to these farmers. • Co-designs site-specific CIS and advisories. • Develops and disseminates thematic bundles. • Reports on beneficiaries reached and provides evidence of impact. 1.6 Project Intervention Sites Project intervention sites are crucial for the successful implementation of community development projects as they serve as the locations where project activities are executed. Selecting appropriate sites is vital for achieving project goals and involves considering community needs, accessibility, resource availability, stakeholder support, environmental factors, and security. 17 Intervention sites are significant because they act as centers for demonstration and training, resource distribution, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement. For this project, multiple sites have been chosen based on these criteria to ensure effective and impactful implementation. The map below is an overview of the selected sites across Ghana during the AF. Map 1 : Location of the project intervention sites. 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 The Focus Areas of AICCRA Additional Financing The AICCRA-AF is focused on advancing the World Bank’s support for the CGIAR, a consortium of international research centers dedicated to improving food security, reducing poverty and malnutrition, and sustainable natural resource management. The Bank proposes to provide this additional financing to scale-up the ambition of the AICCRA program, aiming to keep up with the increased urgency and magnitude of the need for validated CSA and CIS technologies to increase resilience across Africa. Specific focus areas are as follows: Large-scale adoption and use of validated CIS and CSA technology bundles: The AF will scale up investments in the validation of CSA technologies and CIS applications and platforms and facilitate their availability through identified “scaling pathways” to stimulate their uptake and use through the development of scaling mechanisms available to policymakers and investors, as well as promote the adoption of those technologies among significant numbers of value- chain actors. Strengthen the capacities of regional partners: The AF will build on the progress achieved to date on the AICCRA parent project to scale-up capacity building activities related to R&D and the science of scaling within the existing regional partners, such as CORAF, AGRHYMET, ICPAC, ASARECA, CCARDESA, 18 RUFORUM, and others. This work is tracked through the indicator “Partnerships launched/strengthened between AICCRA CGIAR/NARS scientists.” Since the primary partnerships have now been launched, the focus will be on building the capacity of these existing partners, and thus, new partnerships will be limited under the AF. Expand and strengthen CGIAR collaboration to other World Bank operations and initiatives: The AF aims to expand the impactful and cost-effective collaborations between AICCRA and new World Bank operations, including a dedicated support mechanism for task teams in target countries to accompany WB portfolios. The AF aims to also provide a CGIAR-backed technical assistance platform available to WB task teams throughout the project cycle. This includes work to increase demand-driven policy- relevant science for the design of World Bank operations, including Development Policy Lending. Support the West Africa Fertilizers and Soil-Health Roadmap. The AICCRA program during this AF will contribute to this 10-year fertilizer and soil-health roadmap, specifically by financing activities with research bodies and strengthening digital soil health monitoring in West Africa. The roadmap contains activities contributing to building the long-term resilience of soils, including a) strengthening the capacity of research bodies to improve soil fertility and soil health in the region and b) strengthening soil health monitoring in West Africa. Project Development Objective: The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen the capacity of governments, regional organizations, farmers, and other relevant stakeholders, and enhance access to and use of climate information services and validated climate-smart agriculture technologies in IDA eligible countries in Africa. 3.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK The demonstration of CSA innovations will strictly adhere to and follow the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) as well as the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks of Ghana for the pilot of CSA innovations. This section provides a brief overview of relevant national, environmental, and social policies, regulation and legal frameworks that provide guidance for the conduct of on-farm activities in Ghana. 3.1 National Legal Framework The Constitution of Ghana: The Constitution of the 4th Republic is the fundamental law of Ghana and provides the basis from which all other laws are derived. Article 36(9) on Directive Principles of State Policy has a provision on the environment which states that: “The State shall take appropriate measures needed to protect and safeguard the national environment for posterity; and shall seek co- operation with other states and bodies for purposes of protecting the wider international environment for mankind”. Article 41(K) in Chapter 6 of the Constitution requires all citizens (employees and employers) to; • Protect and safeguard the natural environment of the Republic of Ghana and its territorial waters; • Cooperate with other states and bodies to protect the wider global environment; and • Endeavour to preserve and protect places of historical interest and preserve artifacts. Section17(2) ensures equality and freedom from discrimination on grounds of gender, race, color, ethnic, origin, religion, creed or social or economic status. Section 17(3) amplifies this to cover place of origin and occupation; (4) constitutionally protects affirmative action generally. Section 21 sets out general freedoms such as freedom of speech. 19 Section 24 lays down economic rights, including the right to work under satisfactory, safe and healthy conditions and to receive equal pay for equal work; its subsection (3) states, among other things, that: “Every worker has the right to form or join a trade union of his choice for the promotion and protection of his economic rights and social interests”. Section 28 covers children’s rights, including the right to protection against exposure to physical and moral hazards. Section 29 covers the rights of persons with disabilities (PWD); its subsection (7) promotes special incentives for PWD to engage in business and for businesses that employ PWD in significant numbers. Chapter 6 is entitled “Directive principles of State policy”. Section 35(6) requires the State to take appropriate measures to achieve reasonable regional and gender balance in recruitment and appointment to public offices. Section 36(6) lays down the economic objectives, including that the State afford equality of economic opportunity to all citizens, in particularly taking all necessary steps to ensure full integration of women into the mainstream of Ghana’s economic development. Its subsection (10) safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of all persons in employment; and its subsection (11) requires the State to “encourage the participation of workers in the decision-making process at the workplace”. Applicability/Relevance to the Project: The foregoing therefore requires the AICCRA-Ghana team to consider and implement measures to promote sound environmental protection and management during the pilot of the CSA innovations. 3.2 Acts and Regulations Table 4: Relevant Acts and Regulations # Acts and Regulation Applicability/Relevance to the Project 1. Environmental Protection Act, 1994 (ACT 490)- The Environmental Protection Act, The proposed intervention does not fall under 1994 (Act 490) came into being to establish the Environmental Protection Agency the category of activities for which a prior (EPA) as a body for the protection, conservation, and management of environmental environmental permit is required before resources for the Republic of Ghana. The Act mandates the EPA with the formulation commencement. The project team would not of environmental policies, prescription of standards and guidelines and issuance of need to seek a permit from the EPA and involve environmental permits and pollution abatement notices. Section 2(i) of Act 490 them in the monitoring of E&S mitigation further mandates the EPA to enforce compliance with established Environmental measures. Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures among companies and businesses in the planning and execution of development projects, including existing projects. Section 10(2) of the Act also promulgates the establishment of a Hazardous Chemicals Committee which functions to monitor the use of hazardous chemicals by collecting information on the importation, exportation, manufacture, distribution, sale, use and disposal of such chemicals. 2. Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (LI 1652) - The Environmental The AICCRA-Ghana team is not mandated to Assessment Regulations is established to provide a framework for environmental secure environmental permits from the EPA assessment of development projects in Ghana. Regulation 1 (1) of LI 1652 prior to commencement of this activity. mandates that “no person shall commence any of the undertakings specified in Schedule 1 to these Regulations or any undertaking to which a matter in the Schedule relates, unless prior to the commencement, the undertaking has been registered by the agency and an environmental permit has been issued by the Agency in respect of the undertaking”. 3. The Forest Protection (Amendment) Act 2002 (Act 624)- The Act sets forest This act provides guidelines to the AICCRA offences and penalties. The Act states that a forest offence is committed if any project team on forest prohibitions that must be person who, in a Forest Reserve without the written consent of the competent taken into consideration in the selection plots for forest authority: (a) fells, uproots, lops, girdles, or damages any timber; (b) makes CSA demonstrations or cultivates any farm or erects any building; (c) causes any damage by negligence in felling any tree or cutting or removing timber; or (d) sets fire to any grass or herbage, or kindles a fire without taking due precaution to prevent it. 20 # Acts and Regulation Applicability/Relevance to the Project 4. Water Resources Commission Act 1996, Act 522: The Water Resources Commission Although the AICCRA Ghana CSA demonstration (WRC) Act 1996 (Act 522) establishes and mandates the WRC as the sole agent activities will involve CSA activities, the extent of responsible for the regulation, management, and utilization of water resources and water use does not involve any of the activities for the co-ordination of any policy in relation to them. The Commission does this that require permit of the water resource through the granting of water rights to potential water users. Article 13 of the act commission. states that a person shall not (a) divert, dam, store, abstract or use water resources, or (b) construct or maintain any works for the use of water resources, without the authority of the commission. 5. The Water Use Regulations 2001, LI 1692: Subject to these regulations, subsistence If required, the AICCRA Ghana project will realize agricultural water used for land areas not exceeding one hectare is exempted from water assessment to protect the resources in an authorization requirement but an application for the registration of such water Bongo, Kasena Nankana, Ga South and Ningo use shall be submitted to the relevant District Assembly. The Commission may, in Prampam District. consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, consider a proposed water use to constitute a use which requires an environmental impact assessment. 6. Plants and Fertilizer Act 2010 (Act 803): This Act makes provision with respect to The AICCRA Ghana project will respect provisions plant health and protection from pests and diseases, the importation and of this Act to control seeds and fertilizers. exportation of plant material, the production and marketing of seeds, the quality control of seeds, and the control on the manufacture and use of, and trade in fertilizers. The Act establishes the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate, the Plant Protection Advisory Council, the National Seed Council, a Technical and Variety Release Committee, a National Variety Release and Registration Committee, a Fertilizer Inspection Fund, the National Fertilizer Council, the Ghana Fertilizer Advisory Committee, the Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulatory Division, and the Plant and Fertilizer Fund. The Act consists of 124 sections divide into five Parts: Plants Protection (1); Seeds (2); fertilizer Control (3); Plans and Fertilizer Fund (4); Miscellaneous Matters (5). 7. The Labor Act 2003 (Act 641): The Act provides for the rights and duties of The pilot of CSA innovations will involve the use employers and workers, general conditions of employment, prohibitions on forced of several contracted workers for which the and child labor, settlement of labor disputes and occupational health, safety, and AICCRA-Ghana team led by IITA must follow environment. The act explicitly indicates that it is the duty of an employer to guidelines provided in this act to ensure sound ensure the worker works under satisfactory, safe and healthy conditions. working conditions for workers and eliminate potential occupational health and safety hazards for workers. 8. Ghana Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715): The Ghana Disability Law is aimed at ending The AICCRA-Ghana team will need to create an the discrimination that faces people with disabilities. The Act offers a legal enabling environment by eliminating barriers framework to protect the rights of physically and mentally disabled persons in all that could impede the active participation and areas of life, including agricultural activities. It is also intended to promote the learning of farmers with disabilities in the pilot of creation of an environment that will advance the economic well-being of disabled CSA innovations. people and enable them to function better in society. 9. Workmen’s Compensation Law 1987 (PNDCL 187): The law holds employers The AICCRA-Ghana team led by IITA must follow responsible for the payment of compensation to workmen for personal injuries guidelines provided in this act to ensure sound caused by accidents arising out and in the course of their employment. Where an working conditions and compensation in cases of employee sustains personal injury by accident arising out of, and in the course of personal injuries caused by accidents arising out employment, the employer is liable, subject to this Act, to pay compensation in and in the course of their employment. accordance with this Act. Compensation is not payable under this Act in respect of incapacity or a death resulting from a deliberate self-injury. 3.3 Policies and Plans Table 5: Relevant Policies and Plans # Policy Applicability/Relevance to the Project 1. National Environmental Policy, 2013: The National Environmental Policy is based on a Specific policy actions that will be beneficial broad vision founded on and directed by respect for all relevant principles and themes of and relevant to the AICCRA Project environment and sustainable development. According to the Policy, Ghanaians are implementation will include among others, entitled to an environment that is not harmful to their health and wellbeing and are measures to control water pollution and enjoined to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future policy measures to protect critical generations through reasonable legislative and administrative measures. ecosystems, including the flora and fauna in the project areas. 21 # Policy Applicability/Relevance to the Project 2. National Water Policy, June 2007: The National Water Policy of Ghana aims at providing The Policy outlines various issues related to a framework for the sustainable development and utilization of Ghana’s water resources. water-use and the links to other sectoral It is targeted at all water users, water managers and practitioners, investors, decision- policies such as agriculture and food security, makers, and policy makers within the central and decentralized government structures which is relevant for the project such as the district assemblies, non-governmental organizations, and international implementation. agencies. 3. Forest and Wildlife Policy, 2012: The Forest and Wildlife Policy of Ghana aims at the The AICCRA project team will need to take conservation and sustainable development of forest and wildlife resources for the actions for conserving and protecting the maintenance of environmental stability and continuous flow of optimum benefits from integrity of the forest and wildlife resources the socio-cultural and economic goods and services that the forest environment provides in project areas. to the present and future generations, whilst filling Ghana’s commitments under international agreements and conventions. 4. Ghana National Climate Change Policy, 2013: The policy outlines the vision and The pilot CSA innovations in Ghana are a form objectives for ensuring climate-resilient and climate-compatible economy while of effective climate adaptation interventions achieving sustainable development through equitable low-carbon economy for Ghana. to improve agriculture and food security in The policy, among other issues, seeks to promote effective climate adaptation issues in Ghana. The AICCRA-Ghana team would agriculture and food security. Section 1.2.4 - Application of the policy states that “this therefore need to conduct the pilot of the policy shall guide the work of all governmental, statutory, non-governmental and civic CSA innovations in accordance with policy entities which are involved in, or which may seek to become involved in, addressing objectives, principles and actions outlined climate change issues that are critical to the national development and status of Ghana”. under the agriculture and food security thematic area of the policy. 5. National Land Policy, 1999: The National Land Policy of Ghana aims at the judicious use The AICCRA Ghana Team will need to take of the nation's land and natural resources in support of the different socio-economic this policy into consideration in the selection activities undertaken, in accordance with sustainable resource management principles of plots for CSA demonstrations. and to maintain viable ecosystems. 3.4 Institutional Framework Table 6: Relevant National Institutional Framework # Acts and Regulation Role under the project: 1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the principal institution established for AICCRA Ghana CSA demonstration Activities environmental protection in Ghana, created under the Environmental Protection Agency as the scope of proposed activities do not Act, 1994 (Act490). The EPA's policy direction is articulated by the Environmental meet the set of activities that require EPA Assessment Regulations, 1999 (LI1652). These two pieces of legislation mandate the EPA approval and regulatory monitoring. to manage, control and monitor compliance of environmental regulations by specific However, the project will ensure that industries. agrochemicals/pesticides used on the project comply with the EPA approved list. 2. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA): (MOFA) promotes sustainable agriculture and AICCRA Ghana will work closely with the thriving agribusiness through research and technology development, effective extension MoFA especially its Agricultural Extension and other support services to farmers, processors, and traders for improved livelihood. Its Officers to mobilize farmers and transmit primary roles are the formulation of appropriate agricultural policies, planning & co- key CSA and CIS information to farmers. ordination, monitoring, and evaluation within the overall national economic development. 3. The Water Resources Commission (WRC) in Ghana is tasked with regulating and managing The policies of the WRC will apply to the the country's water resources, as well as coordinating government policies related to AICCRA project in particular in areas where them. Under the WRC Act (Act 522), all water resources are owned and controlled by the the management of water resources is the President on behalf of the people. The WRC's functions include formulating and enforcing responsibility of this commission. AICCRA water resource policies, coordinating activities of various agencies in water resource Ghana team will ensure that these policies development and conservation, enforcing measures to control water pollution, and are adhered to throughout the CSA appraising water resource development projects before implementation. Additionally, demonstrations. consistent with article 20(3) of the 1992 Constitution, there are provisions for the resettlement of persons displaced by compulsory acquisition, detailed under section 265, which involves preparing a Land and Resettlement Plan. 4. The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU): DOVVSU is a unit in DOVVSU and Social Welfare Department the Ghana Police Service and mandated to oversee matters of domestic abuse against may assist the AICCRA Ghana team in women and children. DOVVSU has a mission to prevent, apprehend and prosecute culprits handling some SEA/SH cases on the project. of domestic violence and child abuse. The unit provides support and protection for victims Accordingly, these institutions have been of domestic abuse by interrelating activities with the Department of Social Welfare, identified and linked to the AICCRA Ghana the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the Legal Aid Board. Grievance Mechanism. 22 3.5 World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework The design and implementation of the overall AICCRA-AF project is guided by the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The following Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) are considered relevant for pilot of CSA/CIS innovation in Ghana: • ESS-1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts • ESS-2: Labor and Working Conditions • ESS-3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management • ESS-4 Community Health and Safety • ESS-6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources • ESS-10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure 23 3.6 Comparing national procedures and World Bank policies In general, there is great similarities between Ghana's environmental and social management system and that of the World Bank. The following table makes a comparison between national procedures and World Bank policies. Table 7: Comparison between national procedures and World Bank policies ESF Standard ESS relevance and key requirements Ghana national laws Gap(s) Action required ESS-1 Assessment and ESS-1 is applicable to the entire The Government of Ghana has solid environmental legal and Both give provisions for E&S The project will follow Management of project and sub-project activities policy framework in place to protect, conserve, and mitigate risks assessment. However, the requirements of the Environmental and where social environmental impacts adverse impacts. The Environmental Assessment Regulations, LI1652 is highly ESS1. This ESMP Social Risks and and risks are expected. It sets a 1999 (LI 1652) provides a comprehensive framework for environmentally focused incorporates mitigation Impacts requirement for further assessment environmental and social screening, impact assessment and and does not fully cover measures relating to of E&S risks envisaged on sub-project management. which includes the screening, scoping, some social issues such as exclusion of vulnerable activities. environmental categorization, ESMP, and public consultation and gender, inclusion, groups. participation. transparency, livelihood impacts and restoration, compensation etc. The ESS1, however, covers these matters. ESS-2 Labor and ESS-2 is relevant because the sub- Ghana Workmen Compensation Act (1987); Factories, Offices and Both regulations consider The project will follow all Working Condition project activities will contract workers Shops Act, Act 328 (1970); Labor Act, Act 651 (2003) are aligned Labor Conditions, Health, the requirements set out who could be exposed to different with the ESF’s standard for Labor and Working Conditions. Legal and Safety. in the AICCRA Project types of risks from project activities. provisions on overtime work, compensation and benefits, Labor Management ESS-2 sets requirements to address assessment of young workers’ working conditions, etc. are Procedures (LMP) for the terms and working conditions, available. Labor Act, Act 651 (2003): Part XV, Section 118 (1) and additional financing. equality of opportunity, workers' (2a-h) of the Act requires employers to ensure that every worker associations, grievance redress and employed by him or her works under satisfactory safe and healthy include provisions that do not allow conditions, and is further obliged to provide necessary information, for forced or child labor. instructions, training, and supervision to ensure the health and safety at work of those other workers engaged in a particular task ESS-3 Resource ES-3 is relevant to guide the safe Water and Sewerage Corporation Act, Act 310 (1965) & Both promote safe disposal The project will apply Efficiency and disposal of solid waste that will be Environmental Sanitation Policy (1999): cover both solid waste of wastes to protect the provisions of national Pollution Prevention generated from the implementation management and sewage. environment. legislation and ESS-3 to and Management of the project. The regulations provide a solid framework for the management of manage solid waste and resources to prevent pollution. Pesticides Control and Management electronic waste. are regulated under Part II of the EPA Act 490 (1994).. ESS-4 Community The ESS4 is relevant as the Project There are national robust proclamations and guidelines addressing ESS-4 as well as Ghanaian Improve awareness and Health and Safety activities are expected to cause health public and worker safety in Ghana. These cover a range of laws provide guidelines for implementation capacity important aspects including environmental pollution control; labor on health and safety 24 ESF Standard ESS relevance and key requirements Ghana national laws Gap(s) Action required and safety risks and impacts to local laws; occupational health safety policies; traffic management, addressing public health and through training and communities. handling of hazardous materials, setting exposure limits to various safety. orientations. pollutants, and standards for workplace environmental emissions Develop sound and discharges. procedures for disposal The government of Ghana has introduced Acts (e.g., Labor Act, and management of 2003, Act 651 and Factories, Shops and Offices Act 1970, Act 328) wastes and electronic and many other subsumed policies to protect the health, safety, waste products when and welfare of all workers. applicable. ESS-6 Biodiversity The Project will not finance activities Ghana has a strong regulatory framework pertaining to biodiversity ESS-6 and Ghana national Enforce the project E&S Conservation and that will adversely affect biodiversity conservation and use such as the Wild Animals Preservation Act 235 laws provide frameworks for exclusion list. Strengthen Sustainable conservation or sustainable (1964) enforced by the Wetland Management (RAMSAR sites) a sound conservation of the screening procedures Management of Living management of living resources. Regulation, (1999); the Wild Reserves Regulations LI 740 (1971); biodiversity and to include a check list to and Natural Resources However, as the project supports Forestry Commission Act, 571 (1999); Fisheries Commission Act, management of resources. assess whether a project research aiming to generate drought 457 (1993); Fisheries Act, 625 (2002)). site has the potential for and pest-resistant seed varieties, National proclamation and EIA procedural guidelines are consistent disturbing and affecting multiplying, and making them with the principle of environmental protection. biodiversity. available to farmers, it may pose The existing legislation for EIA process considers impacts on natural some risks and impacts related to habitats and physical cultural resources. biodiversity and ecosystem services The program will exclude subprojects that have adverse impacts on by introducing them. natural habitats and physical cultural resources. ESS-10 Stakeholder This standard is relevant because the Principles for stakeholder engagement and information disclosure Both ESS-10 and Ghanaian The project will need to Engagement project will involve multiple are provided in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Right to laws promote stakeholder ensure informed stakeholders with diverse interests Information (RTI) Act (Act 989). The EPA Act 1994 (Act 490) also engagement and stakeholder engagement and influence on project activities. grants citizens the right to be informed about any development information disclosure during the entire project Therefore, the inputs and concerns of project carried out by either private or public institutions. The during project preparation cycle. these stakeholder groups would need project proponents are required to engage various stakeholders and implementation. Promote and provide to be factored into project design and including potentially affected communities, relevant national and However, the Grievance means for adequate implementation through meaningful local authorities, NGOs, CSOs and other groups at early stages of Redress in Ghana legislation engagement with stakeholder engagements. the project. This helps in obtaining local knowledge and addressing requires access to court of Affected Communities. public views, concerns, and values that can influence the project Law and Alternative Dispute Ensure that grievances design, which in turn increases public confidence and minimizes Resolution option while the from Affected conflicts. WB requires appropriate and Communities and accessible grievance external communications mechanisms to be from other stakeholders established. are responded to and managed appropriately. 25 3.7 AICCRA Environmental and Social Risks Management Guide The AICCRA-AF Environmental and Social Risks Management (ESRM) guide is a management tool that provides guidelines for agricultural research institutions under AICCRA to assess the potential E&S risks and opportunities associated with their research activities towards more productive and climate-resilient agriculture. The Guide provides information on what is needed for project Grant recipients to assess the E&S risks, communicate requirements to agricultural research institutions, as well as monitor and report on implementation. The AICCRA-AF ESRM guide sets the following E&S exclusion criteria for all grant recipients. 1. Production or activities involving forced labor1; 2. Production or activities involving child labor2; 3. Cross-border trade in pesticide, waste, and waste products, unless compliant to the Basel Convention and the underlying regulations3; 4. Research that may lead to environmentally damaging activities, such as inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers; 5. Production or trade in any product or activity deemed illegal under host country laws or regulations or international conventions and agreements, or subject to international bans, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides/herbicides, ozone depleting substances, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), wildlife or products regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); 6. Biotechnology application in genetically modified (GM) crops that may involve genetic transformations of the national original crops and/or might generate irreversible environmental impacts; 7. Activities that could introduce invasive alien species and may impact critical habitats and/or legally protected areas; 8. Activities that may result in discrimination against vulnerable groups, including on the basis of gender and disability; 9. Activities involving land acquisition leading to economic or physical displacement; 10. Activities that affect existing land tenure arrangements or cultural heritage; 11. Activities carried out by institutions with a record of unresolved occupational, health, and safety incidents or accidents;4 1 Forced labor means all work or service not voluntarily performed that is extracted from an individual under threat of force or penalty. 2 Employees may only be hired if they are at least 15 years old, in accordance with the ILO Minimum Age Convention (C138, Art. 2). Children under the age of 18 will not be employed in hazardous work. Children will not be employed in any manner that is economically exploitive, or is likely to be hazardous to, or to interfere with, the child's education, or to be harmful to the child's health, or physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social development. 3 The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, usually known as the Basel Convention, is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations. Under the convention, hazardous waste, as defined under the convention, generally will not be traded cross-border without the consent of the State of import. Under Basel Convention, “hazardous wastes” are defined as (a) Wastes that belong to any category contained in Annex I, unless they do not possess any of the characteristics contained in Annex III; and (b) Wastes that are not covered under paragraph (a) but are defined as, or are considered to be, hazardous wastes by the domestic legislation of the Party of export, import or transit. 4 Whether such incidents or accidents have been resolved and an institution is therefore eligible for a sub-grant will be evaluated and decided jointly in writing by CIAT and the Association. 26 12. Activities carried out by institutions with a record of unresolved Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/Sexual Harassment incidents;5 13. All the other activities excluded under the ESRM Guide of the Project; 14. Any activity in areas that pose security risk to project workers or requires the use of security personnel. Applicability/Relevance to the Project: The AICCRA Ghana project team will have to ensure that proposed field demonstration activities under AF do not involve any of the activities on the project exclusion list. 4.0 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS The process leading to the environmental and social screening of sites identified for CSA demonstrations and preparation of this ESMP involved extensive information disclosure and consultation with key stakeholders. The methodology used centered on one-on-one meetings, focus group discussions, community meetings, transect walks and field visitations. From 5th to 22 May 2024, the Safeguard specialists, IITA, and project implementing leads at Crop Research Institute (CRI) and University for Development Studies (UDS) embarked on extensive stakeholder engagements and information disclosure on the AICCRA AF project. They introduced the additional phase of the AICCRA project to the staff of the Agriculture Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), community members, farmer groups, landowners, and vulnerable groups. Information shared at these introductory meetings include the objectives, scope, and activities of the AICCRA-Ghana AF project. These sessions also offered an opportunity for the stakeholders to ask further questions, affirm commitments and propose diverse ways they could contribute to the successful implementation of the project. At these meetings, the project leads also expressed the interest of the AICCRA project to rent farming plots in target communities for the pilot CSA innovations’ demonstrations. To foster women and youth inclusion special engagement session for only these groups were held by the gender specialist of IITA and her team. Photo 1: AICCRA Ghana Team engagement with headmistress of Efutu Secondary Technical High School 5 Whether such incidents have been resolved and an institution is therefore eligible for a sub-grant will be evaluated and decided jointly in writing by CIAT and the Association. 27 Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Photo 2: Gender segregation engagement with women at the right and men at the left of the picture Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 During the site-specific screening, the project team further consulted the various stakeholder groups (MoFA, community members, farmer groups) about the suitability of communities selected for demonstrations and farm plots offered for rent by some farmers in the target communities. Photo 3: AICCRA Ghana meeting with the Department of Agriculture 28 Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Overall, the project is eagerly awaited by the local population, who have seen or heard the results obtained by neighboring communities during the parent project. The summary of key issues raised by stakeholders in all the engagements are as follows: • Provide safety boots and personal protective equipment (PPE) for farmers, especially those who are spraying pesticides. • Ensure that inputs, especially seeds and other farming materials, are available on time before the start of activities. • Ensure that farmers providing the land are not affected by the loss of income. • Support farmers against pests that are causing yield losses, including the most dangerous ones like thrips and the fall armyworm. • Support women in income-generating activities since they do not have access to land. • Farmers in other neighboring communities should be allowed to visit the demonstration sites for learning. The AICCRA-Ghana team has taken note of these feedback and considered them as essential input for the successful implementation of the project activities with farmers. 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITION This section provides a brief outline of the environmental, biophysical, and socio-economic characteristics of the proposed project areas. 29 5.1 Location Table 8: Location of Project Intervention Districts Region District Description of Location Greater Ga south The district is located in the western part of Greater Accra Region and has Ngleshie Accra Amanfro as its capital town. The total land area of the Municipality is estimated at Region 517.2 sq km with about 362 communities. Ningo The Ningo-Prampram District is located in the southeastern part of the Greater Accra Prampram Region of Ghana. It has Prampram as its capital town. The district is known for its coastal areas and has a significant fishing community. The landscape includes sandy beaches, lagoons, and a mix of rural and urban settlements. The district is bounded to the south by the Gulf of Guinea, to the west by the Tema Metropolitan area, to the east by the Ada West District, and to the north by the Shai-Osudoku District. Central Cape Coast This is a central district of about 122 sq km with both coastal and hinterland areas. Region Metropolitan The Metropolis is bounded to the south by the Gulf of Guinea, and by rural districts on the sides (west by the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem, East by the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, and to the north by the Twifu Heman Lower Denkyira District). The Capital of the Municipality is Cape Coast and with other major communities including Efutu, Abura, Pedu and Nyinasin. Komenda- The district is located in the southwest part of Central Region and has Elmina as its Edena-Eguafo- capital town. It is bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea) and is Abrem a major fishing center. It is bound on the east by the Cape Coast Municipality, the north by the Twifo-Hemang –Lower Denkyira District and the west by the Mpohor-Wassa East District. Bono East Kintampo North The municipality is located in the northern part of Bono East Region and has Kintampo Region as its capital town. In terms of location and size, the Municipality is strategically located at the centre of Ghana and serves as a transit point between the northern and southern sectors of the country. The district falls within the Voltain basin and is therefore endowed with a lot of water resources. Kintampo South The district is located in the northern part of Bono East Region and has Jema as its capital town. The district covers an area of about 1,774.85 km2 and comprises about 122 settlements. Many rivers and streams drain the district. The major ones are River Pumpum, River Oyoko, River Nante and River Tanti. Techiman North The district is located in the western part of Bono East Region and has Tuobodom as its capital town. Total land area is 669.7 sq km. It as three main vegetation zones, namely, the Guinea-Savanna woodland, located in the north-west, the semi-deciduous zone in the south and the Transitional zone, which stretches from the south-east and west up to the north of the municipality. Northern Tolon The district assembly is located in the northwest part of Northern Region and has Tolon Region as its capital town. It shares borders with North Gonja to the West, Kumbungu District to the North, Central Gonja to the south and to the East with Tamale Metropolitan. Kumbungu Kumbungu District is situated in the Northern Region of Ghana, directly north of the Tolon District. It is bordered by the Savanna Region to the north, providing a gateway to the northern parts of Ghana. To the south, it meets the Tolon District, enhancing regional cooperation and development opportunities. The Tamale Metropolitan Area lies to its east, facilitating access to urban amenities and services. To the west, it shares a boundary with the North Gonja District. Kumbungu District is characterized by its vibrant agricultural sector, producing staple crops such as yams, cassava, and millet, which are vital for both local consumption and trade. The district's strategic location and fertile lands make it an essential part of the Northern Region's economic landscape. 30 Region District Description of Location Upper East Kasena Nankana The municipality is located in the western part of Upper East Region and has Navrongo District as its capital town. With a total land area of 767 sq km, it is divided into six (6) Zonal Councils namely Navrongo, Doba, Manyoro, Pungu, Kologo and Naaga. Bongo District The Bongo District is one of the nine districts in the Upper East Region and shares boundaries with Burkina Faso to the north, Kassena-Nankana East District to the west, Bolgatanga Municipal to the southwest and Nabdam District to south east. It lies within the Oncho-cerciasis-freed zone. Upper Lawra It lies in the northwestern corner of the Upper West Region and is bounded to East and West south by the Jirapa and Lambussie District and to the North and West by the Republic of Burkina Faso. The total area of the district is estimated at 1051.2 sq km which constitutes about 5.7% of the region’s total land area. The landscape of the district is generally flat and low-lying. Jirapa Municipal The Jirapa district is also located in the northwestern part of the upper west region of Assembly Ghana. There is a concentration of granite rocks that store considerable qualities of ground water and therefore have high potential for digging bore holes and handdug wells. The population in the district is distributed among 170 settlements. 5.2 Sensitive Zones Table 9: Sensitive Zones in Project Intervention Districts District Sensitive Zones (Habitats, areas with high biological importance, important bird areas, import plant areas, protectorates, wildlife, forest reserve and archeological sites. Ga south District None Ningo Prampram None Cape Coast None Metropolitan Komenda-Edena- Dumpow and Abosom Aya Hill Forest Eguafo-Abrem Kintampo North Buru Forest Reserve Kintampo South Bosomoa Forest Reserve Techiman North Asubingya forest reserve Tolon None Kumbungu None Kasena Nankana Dedoro Forest Reserve, Saboro Forest Reserve, Aseblika Forest Reserve, Kologo- Naaga District Forest Reserve, Tankwidah West Forest Reserve Bongo District Asolompiiro Forest Reserve, Kologo Forest Reserve, Naaga forest reserve, Red Volta Forest Reserve Lawra Lawra Forest Reserve, Boro Community Forest, Eremon crocodile pond, Jirapa Municipal None Assembly 31 5.3 Air Quality and Noise: Data on air quality is extremely scarce. No air quality monitoring data for the subproject areas was found. Some air pollution may be caused due to tillage of soil. Apart from Efutu and Akweiman, where the project demonstration plots are closer to schools there are no sensitize receptors (eg. Hospitals) near to the project sites in other locations. 5.4 Rainfall, Climate, and Weather Table 10: Rainfall, Climate, and Weather Pattern of Project Intervention Zones District Rainfall, Climate, and Weather Pattern Implication for the project Ga south District Rainfall pattern is bimodal. The first season begins in May and ends in The bimodal rainfall mid-July while the second season begins in mid-August and ends in pattern provides two October. Rainfall is usually characterized by thick cloudy conditions and growing seasons, allowing highly intensive storms. for multiple harvests. Annual rainfall range between 790mm and 1270mm AICCRA will focus on Annual temperature varies between 25.1 °C and 34 °C. promoting climate- Monthly Humidity Levels is 75% resilient crop varieties and Ningo- Ningo-Prampram experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern similar to other optimizing planting Prampram coastal districts in the Greater Accra Region. schedules to take District Annual rainfall ranges between 600mm and 1,000mm. advantage of these The annual temperature varies between 24°C and 32°C. seasons. Monthly humidity levels vary between 60% and 90%. Cape Coast There are two seasons of rainfall with peak in May – June and The varied rainfall and dry Metropolitan October. Dry periods (harmattan) are experienced between November harmattan periods require and February. water conservation Annual rainfall range between 90cm - 110cm along the coast and 110cm strategies and drought- - 160cm in the hinterland. resistant crops. Annual temperature varies between 24 °C and 32 °C. Monthly Humidity Levels vary between 60 % and 80 %. Komenda- The coastal areas of the district experience a lower rainfall compared AICCRA will focus on Edena-Eguafo- with the interior locations. Temperatures are generally high and so the diversified agriculture to Abrem variability in climate and vegetation is influenced more by rainfall than mitigate the impacts of temperature. variable rainfall and high Annual rainfall range between 750mm - 1,000mm along the coast and temperatures. 1,200mm – 1,500mm in the more interior areas Annual temperature varies between 24 °C and 32 °C. Monthly Humidity Levels vary between 60 % and 80 %. Kintampo North The Municipality experiences the Tropical Continental or interior Transitional climate zone Savannah type of climate, which is a modified form of the tropical requires adaptable continental or the Wet-semi equatorial type of climate. This is due largely agricultural practices. to the fact that the Municipal is in the transitional Zone between the two AICCRA will introduce major climatic regions in Ghana. climate-smart Annual rainfall range between 1,400mm and 1,800mm. technologies that cater to Annual temperature varies between 24 °C and 30 °C. both wet and dry Monthly Humidity Levels vary between 90% - 95% (RH) in the rainy conditions, ensuring year- season and between 75% to 80% in the dry season. round agricultural Kintampo South The Kintampo South District experiences a modified Tropical Continental productivity and climate or modified Wet Semi-equatorial climate. This is because the sustainability. district lies in the transitional zone between the Wet Semi-equatorial and 32 District Rainfall, Climate, and Weather Pattern Implication for the project Tropical Continental climates. Like other parts of the country, the district experiences two seasons namely wet and dry. Annual rainfall range between 1,150mm and 1,250mm Annual temperature varies between 24 °C and 30 °C. Monthly Humidity Levels vary between 90% and 95%. Techiman North The Techiman north district experiences both semi-equatorial and AICCRA will promote tropical conventional or savanna climates, characterized by moderate to climate-smart crop heavy rainfall annually. diversification and soil Annual rainfall range between 1,250mm and 1,650mm health management Annual temperature varies between 24 °C and 30 °C. practices to enhance Monthly Humidity levels vary between 70% and 80% in the rainy season resilience and agricultural and 70% - 72% in the dry season. sustainability in the face of climate variability. Tolon The climate reflects a typical tropical continental climate experienced in AICCRA will focus on northern Ghana. There is a rainy season that lasts from May – October, drought-resistant crops, peaking in August and September. The rest of the year is virtually dry. and sustainable land Annual rainfall range between 900mm and 1,000mm management practices to Annual temperature varies between 28 °C and 36 °C. mitigate the effects of prolonged dry periods. Kumbungu The Kumbungu District, like its neighboring Tolon District, experiences a AICCRA will focus on typical tropical continental climate prevalent in northern Ghana. The drought-resistant crops, district has a distinct rainy season that extends from May to October, and sustainable land with the heaviest rainfall occurring in August and September. The annual management practices, rainfall in Kumbungu ranges between 900mm and 1,000mm. For the rest CSA, capacity building and of the year, the district experiences dry conditions. The annual training, monitoring, and temperature in Kumbungu varies significantly, ranging between 28°C and early warning systems to 36°C, reflecting the hot and dry conditions during the dry season and mitigate the effects of relatively cooler conditions during the rainy season. prolonged dry periods. Kasena Nankana The Municipal has a tropical climate. The Municipality experiences dry The influence of different District and wet seasons which are influenced mainly by two (2) air masses [i.e. air masses requires the North-East Trade winds (Harmattan air mass) and the South- adaptive agricultural Westerlies (Tropical Maritime)]. strategies that enhance Annual rainfall mean is 950mm. resilience to both dry and Annual temperature varies between 25 °C and 31 °C. wet conditions. Bongo District The climate is tropical with two distinct seasons, the Wet (rainy) and Dry Extreme temperature (no rain). variations and distinct Annual rainfall range between 600mm and 1,400mm seasons necessitate robust Annual temperature varies between 12 °C and 40 ° C. adaptation strategies including climate-resilient crops. Lawra The district experiences two (2) seasons, which are dry and wet season. AICCRA will implement The dry season starts from October– April and wet season starts from drought-resistant crops to May – September. strengthen resilience of Annual temperature varies between 21 °C and 35 ° C. farming activities against the long dry season. Jirapa Municipal The climate is tropical with two distinct seasons, the Wet (rainy) and Dry AICCRA will promote Assembly (no rain). sustainable agricultural practices like soil conservation, and maize and cowpea cultivation to enhance resilience and 33 District Rainfall, Climate, and Weather Pattern Implication for the project productivity in both seasons. 5.5 Socio-economic Table 11: Socio-economic indices of project intervention districts District Socio-economic data Implication for the project Ga south District The population is 350,121 including 172,492 males (m) and With a low percentage of the 177,629 females (f) population engaged in agriculture, 3.5% of the population is engaged in agriculture. AICCRA will focus on integrating The average income level is 17,024 GHc climate-smart agriculture into The main food crops grown are cassava, maize, cowpea, urban planning and promoting groundnut, yam, plantain, and sweet potato. urban farming initiatives. Providing The major crops grown are pineapple, mango, cashew, support for high-value crops can watermelon. enhance income levels. Ningo- The population is 150,000 including 73,000 males and 77,000 Given the significant portion of the Prampram females. 30% of the population is engaged in agriculture. The population engaged in agriculture, District average income level is 12,000 GHc. The main food crops grown AICCRA will introduce climate- are maize, cassava, and vegetables. The major cash crops grown smart agriculture practices and are mango and coconut. technologies. Emphasis on water- efficient farming and sustainable practices. Cape Coast The population is 189,925 including 92,790 m and 97,135 f. With a high percentage of the Metropolitan 65% of the population is engaged in agriculture. population engaged in agriculture, The average income level is 11,408 GHc AICCRA will focus on enhancing The main food crops grown are maize, cassava, sweet potato, agricultural productivity through cocoyam, yam, plantain, citrus. climate-smart practices. Emphasis on soil conservation, and crop diversification to boost resilience and incomes. Komenda- The population is 166,017 including 80,570 m and High agricultural engagement Edena-Eguafo- 85,447 f suggests a focus on improving Abrem 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture. productivity and resilience through The average income level is 11,408 GHc climate-smart agriculture. AICCRA The main food crops grown are maize, cassava, sweet potato, will support sustainable practices pineapple, watermelon, and vegetables (okra, tomato, pepper, for sweet potato promoting cabbage and garden eggs). diversified income sources and The major cash crops grown are coconut, sugarcane, citrus, oil reducing climate vulnerability. palm, cocoa, and rubber. Kintampo North The population is 139,508 including 69,520 m and Focus on enhancing agricultural 69,988 f resilience and productivity through 71.1% of the population is engaged in agriculture. climate-smart practices. AICCRA The average income level is 12,103 GHc will introduce sustainable farming The main food crops grown are yam, maize, cowpea, cassava, techniques and support market rice, plantain, egushie, groundnut and beans. access for major food crops like The major cash crops grown are cashew, mango, soya beans. yam, maize & Cowpea. Kintampo South The population is 89,126 including 45,465 m and Emphasis on promoting climate- 43,661 f smart agriculture and diversified The average income level is 12,103 GHc cropping systems. AICCRA will 34 District Socio-economic data Implication for the project The main food crops grown are yam, cassava, millet and focus on sustainable practices for sorghum, cowpeas, groundnut, watermelon. food crops like yam, maize & The major cash crops grown are rice, cashew, mango, Cowpea, enhancing resilience. ginger and tobacco. Techiman North The population is 102,529 including 50,248 m and Promote integrated farming 52,281 f systems and climate-smart The average income level is 12,103 GHc agricultural practices to enhance The main food crops grown are maize, cassava, yam, cocoyam, productivity and resilience. AICCRA plantain, groundnuts, cowpea, tomatoes, garden eggs, okra. will support sustainable practices The major cash crops grown are cashew, cocoa, and mango. for diverse crops yam, maize & Cowpea, improving food security and income levels. Tolon The population is 118,101 including 58,512 m and Given the high agricultural 59,586 f engagement, AICCRA will focus on 88% of the population is engaged in agriculture. improving agricultural resilience The average income level is 10,095 GHc through climate-smart practices. The main food crops grown are cassava, yam, rice, maize, and Promoting sustainable farming groundnut. techniques and supporting major The major crops grown are Soybean. crops like Yam, maize& Cowpea, and Sweet Potato can enhance productivity and income. Kumbungu The population is approximately 123,000, including around Given the high agricultural 60,000 males and 63,000 females. 80% of the population is engagement, AICCRA will focus on engaged in agriculture. The average income level is 10,095 GHc. enhancing agricultural resilience The main food crops grown are maize, rice, millet, sorghum, through climate-smart practices. groundnuts, and cowpea. The major cash crops are shea nuts, Promoting sustainable farming dawadawa, and mango. techniques and supporting major food crops like maize and rice will enhance productivity and income. AICCRA will also introduce innovative agricultural technologies and provide training to farmers to boost productivity and resilience. Kasena Nankana The population is 99,895 including 48,658 m and AICCRA will enhance resilience by District 51,237 f promoting climate-smart 82% of the population is engaged in agriculture. agricultural practices. Emphasis on The average income level is 10,095 GHc sustainable practices for food and The main food crops grown are millet, sorghum, rice, maize, cash crops like maize, cowpea, and groundnuts, cowpea. tomatoes can improve livelihoods The major cash crops are shea nuts, dawadawa, baobab and environmental sustainability. Bongo District The population is 120,254 including 56,920 m and AICCRA will focus on enhancing 63,334 f agricultural resilience through 74% of the population is engaged in agriculture. climate-smart practices. Supporting The average income level is 10,095 GHc diverse crop production and The main food crops grown are soybean, millet, sorghum, rice, promoting market access for maize, groundnut, cowpea, bambara beans and vegetables. vegetables and cash crops can The major crops grown are onions, watermelon, improve food security and income tomatoes, pepper, okra. levels. Lawra The population is 58,433 including 28,325 m and Promoting climate-smart 30,108 f agriculture and sustainable land The average income level is 12,103 GHc management practices to enhance 35 District Socio-economic data Implication for the project The main food crops grown are maize, rice, sorghum, millet, resilience. AICCRA will support the groundnuts, cowpea, soybean. development of value chains for The major cash crops grown are shea nut and dawadawa trees. maize and cowpea improving livelihoods and sustainability. Jirapa Municipal The population is 91,279 including 43,021 m and Focus on promoting climate-smart Assembly 48,258 f agriculture to enhance resilience 71% of the population is engaged in agriculture. and productivity. AICCRA will The average income level is 12,103 GHc support sustainable practices for The main food crops grown are maize, rice, sorghum, millet, diverse crops, improve market yam, groundnuts, cowpea, soybean. access for major crops and The major cash crops grown are cashew and mango. enhance overall food security and income levels. 6.0 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts on CSA Demonstration Plots in the Central Region Central region is located at the mid-coastal zone of Ghana. The AICCRA project in the region will focus on the pilot of CSA innovations on the sweet potato value chain, a major staple food crop cultivated in the region. The bundle of CSA/CIS to be piloted will include cutting and planting technology for sweet potato vine, the use of aeroponics and hydroponics technologies for vine multiplication, biocontrol of the sweet potato weevil, organic amendments for improved soil health, and facilitation of access to climate information. The AICCRA project will operate a total of 6 demonstrations plots in 6 communities: 3rd Ridge, Akotokyi, and Efutu in Cape Coast Metropolitan Area and Esaa, Dabri and Amissano in Komenda-Edina- Eguafo-Abrem Municipality. The set of CSA innovations and CIS technologies to be piloted meet the E&S exclusion list for the AICCRA project. There are no flora and/or fauna of endangered species; no important physical cultural resources nearby or protect areas/forest or water sources; will not lead to the introduction of invasive alien species; and will not involve the application of biotechnology application in genetically modified crops. Akotokyi Demonstration Plot: The proposed demonstration plot at Akotokyi is a 1-acre plot belonging to a man in the community, who has farmed on the inherited land for over 10 years. The plot was left to fallow for 3 years. The plot is in the community food production area. It is about 400 meters away from the last building to the community. As of the time of screening, one part of the plot was covered with shrubs and the other with weeds up to about 1 foot. Another section had been cleared to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. No major economic or non-economic crops were found on the land. All the adjoining landmarks were being used for other farming activities. Pesticides to protect the crops particularly from thrips and the fall armyworm but with inadequate protection. Key E&S risks identified include the use of sharp equipment and the lack of PPE use by the farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 36 Photo 4: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Akotokyi. Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Efutu Demonstration Plot: The demonstration plot is located inside the Efutu Secondary Technical High School. The headmistress agrees to gives to the AICCRA project the 1-acre land for proposed CSA demonstration activities. During the screening visit, the plot was covered with shrub and grass. It is surrounded by plots being used by the school for farming activities (plantain and other crops have been identified in the surrounding plots). It is expected to serve as the learning center for the farmers in Efutu as well as the College students. Pesticides to protect the crops particularly from thrips and the fall armyworm but with inadequate protection. Key E&S risks identified include presence of trees with thorns, the use of sharp equipment such as Sickle, machete, hoe, knife, etc. and chemicals, and the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 5: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Efutu Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 3rd Ridge Demonstration Plot: The 1 ha plot belongs to a man of this community who inherited the land. At the time of the screening, the plot was cleared to prepare for the 2024 planting season. Pesticides to 37 protect the crops particularly from thrips and the fall armyworm but with inadequate protection. Key E&S risks identified include thorny vegetations, trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site and lack of PPE use. Photo 6: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in 3rd Ridge Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Saaman Demonstration Plot: The 1-acre plot belongs to a man in this community, who has been farming on the inherited land for more than 10 years. The land has been allowed to fallow for 4 years and the last commodity cultivated was oil palm. The plot is an agricultural area. The nearest dwelling is at about 300 meters from the site. Labor is used for some activities (sowing, weeding, tilling, harvesting, etc.) and the average cost is GHC60 ($4.12 USD) which is higher than the national minimum wage. At the time of the screening, the plot was covered with grass and shrubs about 2 feet high. The adjoining plot had been cleared, and the residues were burned on site. The AICCRA Ghana team, along with the lead farmer, ensures that such practices are not implemented on the CSA demonstration plot. The farmers in the area don’t face major challenges and in addition the agriculture department provides training and technical assistance to them. PPE is available with some of them and used during field works and the spraying of pesticides. Key E&S risks identified include thorny vegetations, trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, lack of PPE use, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 38 Photo 7: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Saaman Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Dabir Demonstration Plot The 1-acre plot selected to host the CSA demonstration is located between 5 communities. The land had been allowed to fallow for one year. The owner is a male farmer of the Dabir community. He has been working on the inherited land for almost 25 years. The plot is located at the outskirts of the village, near the village main road that connect all 5 communities and is surrounded by other agricultural plots belonging to other farmers in the community. Labor will be used for some activities during field operation. The average labor cost is GHC100 ($6.86 USD) in the area which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides to protect the crops particularly from thrips and the fall armyworm but with inadequate protection. Key E&S risks identified include thorny vegetations, trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, lack of PPE use, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 39 Photo 8: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Dabir Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Amissano / ANKAFO Demonstration Plot: The 1-acre site that will host the CSA demonstration plot belong to a man of this community, who has been farming the land for over 5 years. The landowner has in the past provided this plot for collaborative research with the agriculture department. The ANKAFO demonstration plot will be used to showcase CSA innovations on sweet potato and maize. Labor will be used for some activities during field operation. The average labor cost is GHC120 ($8.23 USD) in the area, which is higher than the national minimum wage. The site is located near the main road at about 1km from the nearest community. The surrounding areas are used for agricultural activities. At the time of the screening the plot was occupied by shrubs and weeds of around 1 foot long. Pesticides to protect the crops particularly from thrips and the fall armyworm but with inadequate protection. Key E&S risks identified include thorny vegetations, trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, lack of PPE use which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 40 Photo 9: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Amissano Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 1.2 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Greater Accra Region The AICCRA project in Greater Accra will focus on piloting CSA and CIS innovations on the tomato, maize, and cowpea value chains at Torga, Akweiman and Buumin in Ga South District and at Adjumador, Afienya, Mmobole, Gbwesome, Kpacheremdor in Ningo Prampam District. The bundle of CSA/CIS to be piloted will include contour stone bunds or contour tillage with tied ridges (zero or minimal rates of rainfall run-off and soil erosion), drip and sprinkler irrigation for vegetable farming, organic amendments for improved soil health, and facilitation of access to improved climate information. The set of CSA innovations and CIS technologies to be piloted meet the E&S exclusion list for the AICCRA project. There are no flora and/or fauna of endangered species; no important physical cultural resources nearby or protect areas/forest or water sources; will not lead to the introduction of invasive alien species; and will not involve the application of biotechnology application in genetically modified crops. Proposed plot at GA South District Donuabra torgah Demonstration Plot: The 1-acre plot belongs to a community member who received the land from the community Chief and has farmed it for over 30 years. There are no ownership disputes. The plot is about 50 meters from the Weija Lake, providing opportunities for farming in both rainy and dry seasons. The plot is located on the outskirts of the community, about 500 meters from the dwellings, in an agricultural area surrounded by plots used for seed production and vegetable farming. The major crops grown in the area are vegetables, tomato, onion, etc. the farmers maintain the soil fertility through good farming practices including rotation of the crop fallow compost and organic fertilizer. Occasionally, the location of the plot gets flooded during heavy rains. Therefore, AICCRA Ghana should ensure that the proposed plot for CSA activities will not be flooded during heavy rainy to avoid crop losses. In this community, women are the primary labor force, responsible for weeding, sowing, and harvesting. Women will have equal access and learning opportunities in the CSA demonstration plot. Laborers are paid GHC70 41 (4.80 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. There will be no discrimination for access and learning of women in the CSA demonstration plot. Because of the location of the demonstration plot children are not allowed to work in the fields. Pesticides are used, particularly to control the fall armyworm, a major pest of maize. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, snake bites, presence of thorns, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 10: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Donuabra torgah Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Akweiman Demonstration Plot The 1-acre plot is family land inherited by a male farmer from his parents. Family and community members confirmed there is no dispute over its ownership. The plot is well-located near a road, within the community, providing an opportunity for the community members to learn about CSA technology. The main crops grown include maize, cassava, okra, tomato, garden egg, plantain, pineapple, and sweet potato. At the time of screening, the plot was overgrown with 2-feet tall weeds and bushes. Labor is quite scarce in the area. The laborers are paid GHC 50 ($3.43 USD) for morning work, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides are used under agricultural office guidance but with inadequate protection. Cattle are kept tied up and do not cause damage. Pests like the fall armyworm led farmers to use pesticides. Risks in the field include thorns, falls, trips, possible snakes, and other small animals, and lack of PPE, which could lead to injuries and intoxication. 42 Photo 11: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Akweiman Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Buumin Demonstration Plot A male farmer from this community owns the plot, which is family land he has worked on for almost 20 years. Major crops grown here include cassava, maize, pineapple, and pepper. Last year, the land was used to grow maize, and during the screening, remnants and weeds were present. The plot is in an agricultural area on a hilltop and is not prone to flooding. The community has strong social cohesion, allowing women and farmers from other areas to work and learn together. Children often join their parents on the field during holidays and weekends to learn but are not paid. Laborers are paid GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides are used to control pests like the fall armyworm. Farmers have received training from ADRA but still lack of personal protective equipment. Key risks include tripping, thorns, tree stumps, chemical use, and lack of PPE, which can lead to injuries during field activities. 43 Photo 12: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Buumin Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Proposed plot at Ningo Prapram District Adjumador Demonstration Plot The 1-acre plot proposed for the CSA demonstrations was provided by a male farmer. He is offering it from a total of 4 acres available to him for farming activities. He has been farming on the land for over 13 years. This plot, located about 100 meters from the community dwellings in an agricultural area, is surrounded by other plots on the slope of a valley. Major crops in the area include onion, green pepper, tomato, cassava, and maize. Last season, the farmer grew okra on this plot, which is now covered with grass and herbs and marked with poles to define its boundaries. The AICCRA Ghana cluster must ensure the landowner doesn't plan any activities on this plot during the 2-year project. Child labor and forced labor are not used, and women participate in sowing, weeding, and harvesting. Women often don't have access to land but can safely learn new agricultural practices alongside men. Laborers earn GHC70 (4.80 $US) per day for fieldwork, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Farmers use chemicals to control pests and are trained in their safe use by agricultural officers. Key environmental and social risks include trips, slips, falls, thorns, pesticide exposure, and lack of PPE, which could lead to injuries. 44 Photo 13: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Adjumador Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Afienya Demonstration Plot The 1-acre plot was lent to the farmer by the Ghana army. The farmers met during the screening exercise ensure the land is safe to use for the purpose of the CSA demonstration. Many demonstrations have been conducted in the area. However, the project should Inform the officers before starting the demonstration. The plot is not far from the main road which increases its accessibility by the farmers and other stakeholders during the learning process. The farmer has been working in the field for more than 10 years. The main crop grown includes maize, onion, okra, sweet potatoes. Last year (2023 growing season), the plot was used to grow okra, and remains of the crop along with weeds were present at the time of screening. Both women and farmers from other communities can visit and learn from the demonstration plot. Women, who are the main laborers, participate in sowing, weeding, and harvesting, earning GHC400 (27.46 USD) per hectare. Pesticides are used to protect crops from fall armyworms and other diseases and farmers have received training from agriculture officers in their safe use. Key risks include trips, slips, falls, thorns, pesticide exposure, and lack of PPE, leading to potential injuries during farming activities. 45 Photo 14: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Afienya Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Mmobole Demonstration Plot The 1-acre plot was lent to the farmer by the Ghana army. The farmers present in the area don’t pay a monthly fee. The farmer has been working on the land for over 3years. The main crops grown include onion, lettuce, maize, and okra, and the plot is about 1 kilometer from the community dwellings. During the field screening lettuce plant was in the field and the farmer has already sold them to a reseller who will come later and collect them. Laborers are paid GHC30 to 50 (GH₵) ($2.05 to $3.43 US) for field activities, with the rate depending on the work's nature and extent. This rate is higher than the national minimum wage. Women and farmers from other communities are allowed to visit and learn from the demo plot. Pests like trips and fall armyworm are damaging crops, and farmers use chemicals without training or protective equipment. Despite the presence of scorpions and snakes, no incidents have been reported. The other risks include trips, slips, falls, thorns, pesticide exposure, and lack of PPE, leading to potential injuries during farming activities. 46 Photo 15: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Mmobole Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Gbwesome Demonstration Plot The 1-acre plot belongs to a male farmer in this community, who has been farming on the land for over 50 years. It is in a large agriculture area, about 150 meters from the community’s dwellings, next to a pond and can be used for dry season as well as in the rainy season crop cultivation. The main crops grown in the area are vegetables including tomato and pepper, watermelon, cowpea, maize. However, women are active in the cultivation of tomato, pepper, and okro. At the time of the screening the plot is occupied by bushes and weeds about 2 feet’s long. No crop of importance has been found in the field. The farmers interviewed during the screening exercise stated that there is no discrimination against women, youth and PWD and all these vulnerable people as well as farmers from other communities will be allowed to visit and learn from the demo plot. Workers are usually hired from the community at daily wage rate of GHC110 ($7.53) (7am-5pm), which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides are used to protect their crop against pests especially the fall armyworm that is causing much damage to maize. The keys risks include fall, trip during field activities, use of pesticides and the lack of PPE that could lead to injuries. 47 Photo 16: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Gbwesome Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Kpacheremdor Demonstration Plot The 1-acre plot belongs to a man in Kpacheremdor community. The land was acquired through inheritance and is located next to the farmer’s house. The plot, used for millet, maize, groundnut, onion, soya beans, sweet potato, and cowpea cultivation during the rainy season, is fenced to prevent damages to crops by cattle and other animals. Child and forced labor are not used, and it is safe for vulnerable people such as women, youth and PWD to work or receive training on the field. Labor costs GHC100 ($6.85 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements, often lack proper training and adequate PPE. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities, poor handling and application of fertilizers and pesticides due to limited knowledge on it use. 48 Photo 17: Proposed CSA demonstration plot in Kpacheremdor Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 1.3 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Upper East Region Upper East Region is in the Northeastern corner of Ghana. The climate and soils in this Guinea Savanna zone promote production of crops such as millet, sorghum, rice, maize, groundnut, cowpea, beans, and vegetables. The AICCRA project in this region will focus on the pilot of CSA innovations on vegetable value chain, particularly tomatoes. The bundle of CSA/CIS to be piloted will include adoption of best practices such as density planting, soil preparation, intercropping, biocontrol of pests, organic amendments for improved soil health, and facilitation of access to climate information. Water from Tono irrigation scheme and a community dugout pond will be used to support demonstrations of all CSA innovations in this region. The AICCRA project will operate a total of 8 demonstrations plots with 4 in Bongo District and 4 in Kassena- Nankana District. The set of CSA innovations and CIS technologies to be piloted meet the E&S exclusion list for the AICCRA project. There are no flora and/or fauna of endangered species; no important physical cultural resources nearby or protect areas/forest or water sources; will not lead to the introduction of invasive alien species; and will not involve the application of biotechnology application in genetically modified crops. Proposed CSA demonstration plots in Bongo District Lungo Demonstration plots: The land, inherited long ago, spans 1-acre and has been farmed for many years. The farmland is conveniently located within the community. The main crops cultivated are millet, maize, rice, sorghum, cowpea, and groundnut. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site. It is not located near a forest or protected area important for wildlife. In addition, the community members encountered during the public consultation confirmed there is no case of child labor and it is safe for 49 women to work or receive training in the fields. Laborers are used during field activities and labor cost is GHC35 (2.40 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. During the time of the screening, the plot was prepared and cleaned for the upcoming season with animal manure applied to increase fertility. Pesticides are used without proper protection, and there has been no training on their safe application. Risks include scorpion and snake bites, pesticide exposure, and potential injuries due to the lack of protective equipment use by farmers which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 18: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Lungo Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Asebra Demonstration plots: the plot belongs a group of women farmers. A group of 20 women acquired a 1-acre plot of land from the community chief for cooperative farming activities. They use the site, equipped with an irrigation system and borehole, to grow millet, sorghum, maize, rice, cowpea, and groundnut. Farmers in the area do not use child labor, and it is safe for both men and women to work or receive training there. There are no tensions or conflicts, and the site is not near any wildlife or protected areas. While they use pesticides, they do not protect themselves before application. They have received training on pesticide use and protection. A previous ECOWAS transborder project installed their irrigation system, which is now faulty. They face challenges such as water shortages, unaffordable fertilizers, and financial issues. Labor costs GHC30 (2.05 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. They practice sustainable methods like crop rotation and composting and enhance soil fertility with animal manure and fertilizer. The land is located within the community. The project will need to assist the farmers repair the leakages to preserve water conservation. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by 50 farmers which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities, water scarcity at the dam, poor handling and application of fertilizers and pesticides due to limited knowledge on it use. Photo 19: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Asebra Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Adaboya Demonstration plots: The land, inherited by the farmer, is a 1-acre plot used for growing vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, millet, maize, rice, groundnuts, onions, and cabbage. It is located within the community. The farmers in the area do not use child labor, and it is safe for both men and women to work or receive training on the field. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site, and it is not located near any important wildlife areas or protected forests. Pesticides are used, but only some farmers protect themselves during application, despite having, for some of them, received training by the agriculture officers. The main challenges faced by farmers include water shortages, due to extreme weather in the area. The community dugout pond ran out of water in dry season, making it impossible to grow crops. Labor costs are GHC50 ($3.43 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, occasional risks from snakes and scorpions, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities, water scarcity at the dam, poor handling and application of fertilizers and pesticides due to limited knowledge on it use. 51 Photo 20: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Adaboya Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Dua Demonstration plots: The land was acquired through inheritance, and the plot size is 1-acre. The plot is about 200 meters away from the residential areas of the community and about 50 meters away from the community dugout pond. The plot is used for millet, maize, groundnut, onion, soya beans, sweet potato, and cowpea cultivation during the rainy season and for vegetable farming in the dry season. Dry season farming on the plots is supported by an extensive network of gravity irrigation channels from the community dugout pond. The pond also serves as a major source of drinking water for livestock, and for construction activities in the community. Child and forced labor are not used, and it is safe for both men and women to work or receive training on the field. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site, and it is not located near a wildlife area or protected forest. Pesticides are used, but not all farmers protect themselves during application. They have received training on usage and protection. Challenges include irregular rainfall, unaffordable fertilizers, financial issues, and lack of tractors. Risks involve snake and scorpion bites. Labor costs GHC50 ($3.43 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities, water scarcity at the dam, poor handling and application of fertilizers and pesticides due to limited knowledge on it use. 52 Photo 21: Pond used for dry season irrigation. Photo 22: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Dua Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Proposed CSA demonstration plots in Kasena Nankana District Vunama Demonstration plots: The proposed 1-acre site for CSA demonstration at Vunama is own by a female farmer who has been farming on the land for over ten years. The woman received the land from her husband, as women in that community finds it difficult to directly own land. The plot is about 300 meters away from the residential areas of the community and about 200 meters away from the community dugout pond which runs out of water during dry season. Farming on the plot has been done for several years, focusing on crops like millet, maize (rarely), groundnut, beans, and rice. Farmers do not use child labor, and it is safe for both women and men to work or receive training on the field. Labor costs are GHC50 ($3.43 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Sustainable practices like crop rotation help maintain soil fertility. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, snake bites, and the lack of PPE use by farmers which could result in potential farm injuries 53 during farming activities, water scarcity at the dam, poor handling and application of fertilizers and pesticides due to limited knowledge on it use. Repellent products are often used by farmers to chase reptiles. Photo 23: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Vunama Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Kologo Tindango Demonstration plots: At Kologo Tindango, the AICCRA-Ghana project has secured a 1- acre plot for the pilot of CSA innovations on maize, cowpea, and the vegetable value chain, specifically, tomato cultivation. The land belongs to a male of this community who have customary ownership of the land and has farmed on the land for about 3 years. The plot is located within the community. It is a modified agriculture land that is used for millet, maize, groundnut, rice, beans, and cowpea farming in the raining season. The plot is dotted with Shea-nut trees (Vitellaria), which the project will need to avoid cutting down during land clearing or ploughing due to their economic value. Farmers in Kologo Tindango employ labor when the physical farm work demands additional hands. Workers are usually hired from the community at daily wage rate of GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which higher than current daily minimum wage rate. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE, presence of hazardous animals such as snakes and scorpions, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 54 Photo 24: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Kologo Tindango Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Doba Demonstration plots: At Doba, the AICCRA-Ghana project has secured a 1-acre plot for the pilot of CSA innovations on maize, cowpea, and the vegetable value chain, specifically, tomato cultivation. The land belongs to a male of this community who have customary ownership of the land and has farmed on the land for over 10 years. The plot is located within the community. It is a modified agriculture land that is used for millet, groundnut, rice, and beans farming in the raining season. It is dotted with Shea-nut trees (Vitellaria), which the project will need to avoid cutting down during land clearing and ploughing due to their economic value. Farmers in Doba employ labor when the physical farm work demands additional hands. Workers are usually hired from the community at daily wage rate of GHC60 ($4.12 USD), which is higher than the current daily minimum wage rate. Child labor is not used in the area, and it is safe for both women and men to work or receive training on the field. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE, presence of hazardous animals such as snakes and scorpions, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 55 Photo 25: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Doba Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Punyoro Demonstration plots: At Punyoro, the 1-ha plot proposed for the CSA demonstration activities is located within the community next to the dwellings. The land belongs to a female farmer who have customary ownership of the land. The woman has consistently worked on the plot for more than 20 years, with main crops including groundnut, soya beans, and cowpea. There is no child labor in the area, and it is safe for both women and men to work or receive training in the fields. Workers are usually hired from the community at daily wage rate of GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which higher than current daily minimum wage rate. The key E&S risks identified include workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 56 Photo 26: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Punyoro Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 1.4 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Upper West Region The Upper West Region is located in the Northwestern corner of Ghana. The area experiences one major raining and farming seasons. The savanna vegetation and climate in the area support the production of corn, millet, peanuts, okra, and rice. The AICCRA project in this region will focus on the pilot of CSA innovations on maize and cowpea production. The bundle of CSA/CIS innovations to be piloted will include adoption of best practices such as soil preparation, intercropping, biocontrol of pests, organic amendments for improved soil health, use of approved seeds, and facilitation of access to climate information. The CSA demonstrations will be rain-fed and the AICCRA AF project will operate a total of 6 new demonstration plots, with 3 in Jirapa Municipality and 3 in Lawra District. The set of CSA innovations and CIS technologies to be piloted meet the E&S exclusion list for the AICCRA project. There are no flora and/or fauna of endangered species; no important physical cultural resources nearby or protect areas/forest or water sources; will not lead to the introduction of invasive alien species; and will not involve the application of biotechnology application in genetically modified crops. New Proposed demonstration plots in Lawra Yagtuuri demonstration plot: In Yagtuuri, the 1-acre plot proposed for CSA demonstration, owned by a male farmer who inherited it from his father, is free from conflict as confirmed by family members during the screening process. The farmer has been cultivating this land for over five years. The community practices collaborative farming, where men and women work together, with specific tasks assigned to 57 women. The main crops grown are groundnut and maize, and the plot was used for soybean cultivation during the 2021 agricultural season. Women from the community and farmers from other areas are welcomed to learn farming techniques. Despite challenges with weather and tractor services, there are no significant risks. Casual labor is occasionally hired for certain activities at a daily cost of GHC25 to 30 ($1.71 to 2.05 USD), which is higher than the average daily labor cost in Ghana. Located near the community's laterite road and 50 meters from the dwellings, the plot is unfenced as cattle are kept in the area during the rainy season. Shea trees are present and preserved by the farmer, with no other significant crops in the field. Key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 27: Proposed demonstration plot at Yagtuuri Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Tabier demonstration plot: The Yaghore Community Farm plot, located in front of the Catholic Church and near the main road to Burkina Faso, is about 1 kilometer away from the community dwellings. The 1-acre land belongs to a man of this community who inherited the land from his father and has been farming the land for over 10 years. The landowner has other land in the same area, some of which has been loaned to the neighboring church for farming activities. He agreed to make his plot available for the purposes of the demonstration of CSA activities. The main crops grown in the area include maize, sorghum, rice, beans, groundnut, cowpea, and yam. Two years ago, soybean was cultivated on the plot, with remains still present, but the land was unused last year. The farming practices on this plot involve the use of animal waste and fertilizer, although rainfall and animal waste are sparse. Community engagement is strong, with women and farmers from 58 other communities allowed to visit and learn. Labor costs are GHC30 ($2.06 USD) for work conducted from 12 to 3 pm, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides are applied, but protective equipment is often lacking, although farmers have received training from the agricultural department on proper pesticide use and best farming practices. The area is relatively safe, with infrequent occurrences of scorpions and snakes. Shea trees are present on the plot and are preserved by the farmer, with no other significant crops in the field. Photo 28: Proposed demonstration plot at Tabier Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Babile Kunyukuo demonstration plot In the community of Kungo, a 1-acre family plot is cultivated without any litigation issues. This plot is not part of a protected area, although there is protected land nearby for the community. The main crops grown include cowpea, groundnut, maize, pepper, cabbage, and yam. Last year, the plot was used for pepper and groundnut cultivation among other crops. The farmers have adapted their technology due to guidance from agricultural departments and practice crop rotation. They use animal droppings, crop residues, and compost as fertilizers and practice crop rotation. On Saturdays, children are taught farming practices such as weeding and sowing, although there is no child labor. Women and members from other communities are also allowed to work in the field. Laborers are employed for various activities and are paid GHC40 ($2.74 USD) for work from 7 am to 12 pm, which higher than current daily minimum wage rate. Challenges include weather conditions, fertilizer availability, and occasional snake and scorpion bites, for which there is local inheritance knowledge for treatment. Pesticides are used, with some farmers having received training on their proper use. 59 Photo 29: Proposed plot for pilot of CSA innovation at Babile Kunyukuo Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 New Proposed demonstration plots in Jirapa Jeffire Demonstration plot The 1-acre plot belongs to a man from this community, who has been farming on the inherited land for almost 15 years. The main crops grown in the area include cowpea, maize, millet, and groundnut. To improve soil quality, farmers utilize fertilizers and practice multiple cropping. Pesticides are used for farming activities, but despite training acquired from Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and MOFA, there is a lack of protection during spraying. Labor is employed during these activities, with a cost of GHC40 ($2.74 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. The area is distant from any protected zones. Challenges faced include weather-related issues such as drought, pests, and fall armyworm infestations. Key E&S risks identified include scorpion bites at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. The local healer skillfully treated the scorpion bite with a mixture of traditional herbs and remedies. 60 Photo 30: Proposed plot for pilot of CSA innovation at Jeffire Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Kulkarni Demonstration plot The chief, who owns the family land, has been farming for over 20 years. On this plot, located inside the community near the chief’s house, they practice crop rotation with groundnut, maize, and sorghum, which maintains high soil fertility. The farm allows women to work together, promoting inclusivity. However, there are common risks of scorpion bites in the area. If someone gets bitten, they can seek help from a local healer or the community clinic, which is equipped with the necessary kit and located near the farm. The cost of labor is GHC30 ($2.06 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides are rarely used due to a lack of proper equipment and PPE. Key E&S risks identified include scorpion bites at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 61 Photo 31: Proposed plot for pilot of CSA innovation at Kulkarni Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Wulling Demonstration plot The family land, which covers an area of 1-acre, has been cultivated for a long time. It is free from any litigation and is not located in a protected area. There is no child labor involved in the agricultural activities, which include sowing, weeding, and harvesting, typically carried out during weekends. The major crops grown in the area are yam, maize, groundnut, sorghum, millet, pepper, tomato, and Barbara bean. Last year, the plot was used to grow groundnut in association with beans. The farmers practice sustainable farming techniques, including the use of animal manure, fertilizers, crop rotation, and compost. However, there are common risks associated with farming in this area. Farmers often cut their legs during field activities, and encounters with snakes and scorpions are frequent. Local healers are commonly sought for treatment in such cases. Labor costs range from GHC30 ($2.06 USD) from 7am to 12am, which is higher than the national minimum wage. For pesticide spraying, some farmers use protective gear such as nose masks and Valentine's boots, though not all have access to this equipment. 62 Photo 32: Proposed plot for pilot of CSA innovation at Wulling Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Baazu demonstration plot The family owns a 1-acre piece of land where there has been no conflict for more than ten years. Located on the outskirts of the community, next to the main road linking Jirapa to Laura, the land also hosts shea trees, which are preserved and not cut down. This sustainable practice supports both the environment and the local economy. Youth in the community follow their elders during field activities, ensuring the transfer of agricultural knowledge and skills. Women are also welcome to work in the demonstration plot. Labor costs are GHC50 ($3.43 USD) per day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. The crops grown on the land include maize, beans, millet, Bambara beans, groundnuts, and yam. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly regarding fertilizer and financial aspects. The land is not protected by forests, making it common to encounter snakes and scorpions. Fortunately, the Jirapa hospital is less than 5 kilometers away, providing accessible healthcare. To maintain soil fertility, animal droppings and crop rotation are employed. The UNDP has provided training on safety, including the use of Valentine boots, nose covers, and coveralls. 63 Photo 33: Proposed plot for pilot of CSA innovation at Baazu Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 1.5 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Northern Region The Northern Region falls within the savanna zone of Ghana and the main economic activity is agriculture. The region experiences one major rainy farming season in a year, usually between May and October. Subsistence and peasant agriculture remain dominant in the area and the main crops grown are maize, beans, yam, millet, groundnuts, and vegetables. Industrial crops like tobacco, cotton and jute are also grown in the region. The AICCRA project in this region will focus on the pilot of CSA innovations on yam, maize, sweet potato, and cowpea production. The bundle of CSA/CIS to be piloted will include: • Biological soil and seed treatment (application of neem leaf powder to treat soil and ash to treat seed yam before planting). • Seedbed options (ridging as an alternative to mounding for yam production). • Seed yam multiplication technologies (mini-sett technology; aeroponics and hydroponics technologies). • Introduction of improved maize seeds (tolerant to drought, striga and Low N). • Improved cowpea seeds (tolerant to pest and disease infestation). • Biopesticides for managing cowpea and maize pests and diseases. • Minimum tillage for maize and cowpea production. • Organic amendments for improved soil health; and • Facilitation of access to climate information. 64 CSA demonstrations will be rain-fed. The AICCRA project will operate a total of 7 demonstration plots with one each in Tali Botigle, and Gbanjong in the Tolon District and Balikpong, Jakphi-kukuo, Kunkulung, Gbanzogu and Biegu in Kumbungu District. The set of CSA innovations and CIS technologies to be piloted meet the E&S exclusion list for the AICCRA project. There are no flora and/or fauna of endangered species; no important physical cultural resources nearby or protect areas/forest or water sources; will not lead to the introduction of invasive alien species; and will not involve the application of biotechnology application in genetically modified crops. New Proposed demonstration plots in Tolon District Tali Botigle Demonstration Plot: The study site is in the community of Tali-Botigle, where the farmer, has been cultivating a 1-acre plot of land for 18 years. This land was acquired through inheritance and is located at about 1 kilometer from the dwelling of the community. The main crops grown include maize, groundnut, yam, and sweet potato. During the time of the visit some residues of the previous crop were present. Shea trees are present in the field; they are economically valuable and commonly used by women. These trees, found in their wild state, will not be removed during field activities. In this area, child labor is not used, and it is safe for women to work or receive training on the field. Labor costs are GHC40 ($2.74 USD) per day which is higher than the daily minimum wage rate in Ghana. Sustainable practices employed include crop rotation and composting, which is also used to enhance soil fertility. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site, nor is it located near any important wildlife areas or protected forests. The key E&S risks identified include the use of sharp equipment such as machete, knife, etc. during land preparation and the farming activities, presence of thorns, the heat, trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 34: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Tali Botigle 65 Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Gbanjong Demonstration Plot 1: The land, measuring 1-acre, was acquired through inheritance. The owner has been farming on it for a long time, cultivating maize, groundnut, Bambara, okra, cowpea, and soybeans. The land is 500 meters from the community. In this area, child labor is not practiced, and it is safe for women to work or receive training in the field. However, they face challenges such as the high cost of fertilizers and seeds and a lack of technical training. Labor costs are GHC40 ($2.74) per half day, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Sustainable practices like crop rotation are employed, and soil fertility is maintained by animal manure and fertilizers. Pesticides are used, and the farmers seldom take precautions by protecting themselves despite having received proper training from agriculture department. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use, presence of hazardous animals such as snakes, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Farmers use local treatments given by local healers for snake bites, relying on traditional herbal remedies and knowledge passed down through generations. These treatments often include the application of specific plant extracts and methods known to reduce venom effects. Photo 35: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Gbanjong Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 New Proposed demonstration plots in Kumbungu District Balikpong The land was acquired through inheritance and spans an area of 1-acre. It is situated within the community and the farming activities have been ongoing for a long time, primarily focusing on crops such as maize 66 and cowpea. Child labor is not utilized in this farming community. It is safe for women to work and receive training in the field, and there are no tensions or conflicts for the ownership of the site. The farm is distant from the Yaabogni local preserved area. The challenges faced by farmers include the unaffordability of fertilizers, adverse weather conditions, and the lack of technical training. Snake bites, though rare, are treated locally. Labor costs are GHC10 (0.69 USD), for every two hours of work. This rate is higher than the national minimum wage. At the time of the visit, the plot was cleared to prepare the way for the upcoming growing season. Farmers in this area do use pesticides but only sometimes protect themselves before application, as they have not received any training on safe use and protection. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use, presence of hazardous animals such as snakes, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 36: Second demonstration plot at Balikpong Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Jakphi-kukuo Demonstration Plot The land was acquired through inheritance and spans 1-acre. For 20 years, the farm has been dedicated to growing maize, cowpea, and sorghum. At the time of the visit, the plot was covered with weeds and no economic tree was sighted. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site, and it is not located near any wildlife areas, forests, or protected zones. The community members rear livestock but keep them in their pen during the farming season to prevent trespassing and destruction of farm crops. There are no cases of child or forced labor in the community. Farmers employ casual laborers at the prevailing wage rate of about GHC40 ($2.74) for a half-day which is higher than the national minimum wage. Sustainable practices 67 such as crop rotation are implemented, and soil fertility is maintained using animal manure and fertilizers. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 37: Proposed demonstration plot at Jakphi-kukuo Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Kunkulung demonstration plot The land, spanning 1-acre, was inherited and has been farmed for over 20 years. The main crops grown are maize, yam, and pepper. The land is located within the community itself, and farmers in the area do not use child labor. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site, and it is not located near any wildlife areas or protected forests. Pesticides are used with proper protective measures and training. Farmers face challenges such as the unaffordability of fertilizers, financial issues, and wandering animals. Occasionally, scorpions pose a risk. The labor cost is GHC10 (0.69 USD) per hour, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Sustainable practices include crop rotation to maintain soil fertility, using animal manure, and fertilizers. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 68 Photo 38: Proposed demonstration plot at Kunkulung Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Gbanzogu demonstration plot The land was acquired through inheritance and spans 1-acre. For over 10 years, the main crops cultivated include maize, yam, sorghum, soybeans, groundnut, cowpea, and okra. Farmers in the area do not use child labor, and it is safe for women to work or receive training on the field. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site, nor is it located near any wildlife areas, forests, or protected areas. Pesticides are used, and farmers ensure they protect themselves before application. Training on pesticide use and protection is provided by the local radio station. However, farmers face challenges such as the affordability of fertilizers, access to tractors, financial issues, and the impacts of climate change. Risks in the area include scorpions and snake bites. Labor costs are GHC20 ($1.37 USD) for a half day of work which is higher than the national minimum wage. Sustainable practices implemented include crop rotation and composting. Soil fertility is maintained using animal droppings, fertilizers, and predominantly compost. The land is conveniently located within the community. 69 Photo 39: Proposed demonstration plot at Gbanzogu Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Biegu demonstration plot The 1-acre land was acquired through inheritance by a man of this community. He has been farming the land for over 10 years, focusing primarily on crops such as maize, rice, yam, tomatoes, garden eggs, sorghum, and beans. The land is situated within the community where farmers use sustainable practices such as crop rotation and composting to maintain soil fertility. Farmers in the area do not use child labor, and it is safe for women to work or receive training in the fields. There are no tensions or conflicts on the site, and it is not located near any areas of importance for wildlife or protected areas. Labor is used for activities requiring strength as well as other activities such as weeding, planting, and harvesting. Laborers are paid GHC30 ($2.06 USD) for 6 hours of work, which is higher than the national minimum wage. Pesticides are used, and farmers protect themselves before application, having received training from agricultural extension officers. Challenges faced by farmers include the affordability and accessibility of fertilizer, financial constraints, and difficulties in obtaining tractor services. Risks on the farm include scorpion and snake bites. 70 Photo 40: Proposed demonstration plot at Biegu Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 1.6 Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of CSA Demo Pilots in Bono East Region The Bono East Region falls within the forest transitional zone in Ghana. Agriculture is the dominant economic activity here and constitutes the major source of household income. The major food crops produced in the area are yam, maize, cowpea, cassava, rice, plantain, Egushie, groundnut and beans. Other crops include cashew, mango, tomatoes, onions, watermelons, garden eggs, soyabeans and sorghum. In this region, the AICCRA project will focus on the demonstration of CSA innovations on yam, maize, and cowpea. The bundle of CSA/CIS to be piloted will include: • Biological soil and seed treatment (application of neem leaf powder to treat soil and ash to treat seed yam before planting). • Seedbed options (ridging as an alternative to mounding for yam production). • Seed yam multiplication technologies (mini-sett technology; aeroponics and hydroponics technologies). • Introduction of improved maize seeds (tolerant to drought, striga and Low N). • Improved cowpea seeds (tolerant to pest and disease infestation); • Biopesticide for managing cowpea and maize pests and diseases. • Minimum tillage for maize and cowpea production. • Organic amendments for improved soil health; and • Facilitation of access to climate information. 71 CSA demonstrations will be rain-fed and the rainfall pattern in the region support two major farming seasons. In Bono East Region, the AICCRA project will operate a total of 6 demonstrations plots with three plots in each of the three target districts - Kintampo North (Techira N°1, Asantekwaa, and Kobeda), Kintampo South (Nante Zongo, Kwabea, and Yamoakrom), and Techiman North District (Atrensu, Kokroko, and Asueye). The set of CSA innovations and CIS technologies to be piloted meet the E&S exclusion list for the AICCRA project. There are no flora and/or fauna of endangered species; no important physical cultural resources nearby or protect areas/forest or water sources; will not lead to the introduction of invasive alien species; and will not involve the application of biotechnology application in genetically modified crops. Techira N°1 Demonstration Site: The proposed demonstration plot at Techira N°1 is a 1-acre plot located near the main lateritic road. It is owned by a male farmer who inherited the land from his father. The plot is a modified farmland, which has been allowed to fallow for 5 years. It was covered with shrubs and weeds at the time of the visit. There are no cases of child or forced labor in the community. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing wage rate of about GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which is higher than the minimum wage rate in Ghana. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements, often lack proper training and adequate PPE. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 41: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Techira N°1 Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 72 Asantekwa Demonstration Site: The demonstration site is 1-acre plot located at the outskirt of the community along the main lateritic road passing through the community to the next one. Most farmers in the community use that road to get to their farms. It is owned by a male farmer who has farmed on the plot for over 15 years. It is a personal land inherited from his father. During the screening visit, the plot was covered with shrubs and weeds and no economic tree was sighted on the land. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing wage rate of GHC70 ($4.80), which is higher than the minimum wage rate in Ghana. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements, often lack proper training and adequate PPE. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. Photo 42: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Asantekwa Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Kobeda N°1 Demonstration Plot: The Kobeda N°1 demonstration plot is located at the outskirts of the community along the main lateritic road. The 1-acre plot is owned by a male farmer who regularly uses the plot for maize and sorghum, millet cultivation the other part being used for mango cultivation. It is fenced to avoid damage by cattle and other animals. At the time of the visit, the plot was covered with shrubs and weeds. There are no cases of child or forced labor in the community. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing wage rate of about GHC60 ($4.12 USD), which is higher than the minimum wage rate in Ghana. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements often lack proper training and adequate PPE. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 73 Photo 43: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Kobeda N°1 Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Yawmoakrom Demonstration Plot: The proposed plot in this community is a 1-acre plot belonging to a male farmer. The plot was given to him by a friend for many years and was in the past dedicated for pilot of agricultural innovations under conservation agriculture project. It is located near the main lateritic road at about 700 meters away from the community. The plot is a modified farmland that was used for groundnut and coconut. At the time of the visit, the plot was covered with grasses of about 2 feet tall and no economic tree was found on it. Although no major economic tree was sighted on the plot, it is bound on its sides by agricultural plots belonging to other farmers. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements, often lack proper training and adequate PPE. Other key E&S risk identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 74 Photo 44: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Yawmoakrom Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, April 2024 Nante Zongo Demonstration Plot: The demonstration plot is 1-acre piece of land which was given to the farmer by another male farmer in the community. The operator is cultivating the land for more than 30 years. The plot is located along the main road. It is a modified farmland mainly used for Okro, yam, and legumes cultivation in the rainy season. At the time of the screening, the plot was covered with weeds of about 2-feet-high and no economic tree was found on the land. There are no cases of child or forced labor in the community. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing wage rate of about GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which is higher than the minimum wage rate in Ghana. The only protected areas/forest is about 2kilometers away. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements often lack proper training and adequate PPE. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 75 Photo 45: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Nante Zongo Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Kwabea Demonstration Plot The proposed demonstration plot is a 1 ha plot located at about 1 mile away from the kwabea community and 2 miles from the nearest community of Yeripemso. It is located along a major road used by several farmers to get to their farms. The plot is owned by a male farmer who inherited the farmland from his father. The surrounding plots are used by other farmers in the community for rainfed crops cultivation mostly Maize, yam, cowpea, and groundnut. As at the time of the visit, the farmer had just finished harvesting maize planted in the previous farming seasons. There are no cases of child or forced labor in the community. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing daily wage rate of about GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which is higher than the minimum wage in Ghana. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements often lack proper training and adequate PPE. Key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, and presence of hazardous animals such as snakes and scorpions, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 76 Photo 46: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Kwabea Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Atrensu Demonstration Site: Photo 21: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Atrensu The 1-acre of land belongs to a church in the community whose leader agree to make available this plot for the purpose of the CSA demonstration activities under AICCRA AF. The plot has already been used for one year of plantain and yam cultivation which is with maize, cassava, and vegetables the main commodities cultivated in the area. It is located along the main road and livestock can cause important damage to the crop if not fenced. The surrounding area is used for agricultural activities. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing daily wage rate of about GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which is higher than the minimum wage in Ghana. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements often lack proper training and adequate PPE. Key E&S risks identified include thorns, exposure to pesticides, and the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 77 Photo 47: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Atrensu Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Kokroko Demonstration Site: The 1-acre plot belongs to a man of this community. inherited family land for 6 years. The main commodity cultivated is maize, bean, yam, and vegetables. No cattle and animals that can result in yield losses or crop damages. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing wage rate of about GHC50 ($3.43 USD), which is higher than the minimum wage rate in Ghana. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements often lack proper training and adequate PPE. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. The existing forest reserve is far away from the proposed land. 78 Photo 48: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Kokroko Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 Asueye Demonstration Site: The 1-acre land is located along the main road and close to the dwelling of the owner, who inherited the land from his uncle. He has been working the land for almost 17 years. The land served to cultivate cassava, maize and bean which are among the main commodities. The plot is surrounded by other agricultural plots belonging to the owner and other farmers of the community. Farmers in the community employ casual laborers at the prevailing wage rate of about GHC80 ($5.49), which is higher than the minimum wage rate in Ghana. Pesticides are used to control pests, particularly thrips and the fall armyworm that cause significant damage to the crops. However, farmers interviewed during community engagements, often lack proper training and adequate PPE. The key E&S risks identified include trips, slips, and falls at the demonstration site, workers and residents’ exposure to pesticides, lightning hazard, the lack of PPE use by farmers, which could result in potential farm injuries during farming activities. 79 Photo 49: Proposed CSA demonstration plot at Asueye Source: Field visits during E&S screening of plots, May 2024 6.1 Land Rental protocol. The plots are being rented for a two-year period at agreed rental fees that commensurate with the market value of similar plots in the area, and the fee is agreed with the land owner. A screening was conducted to assess whether there is physical or economic displacement or livelihood disruption of land users, in which case the plot will be excluded from the project. The summary of the protocol followed for renting demonstration plots are as follows: 1. The selection of plots was not limited to site specific preference. 2. In each community, between three to five rental plots were requested and the famer groups in the community were allowed to discuss and agree on the final sets of plots. These discussions and selection took into consideration ownership issues, additional farmlands available to the land renters, and potential encumbrances. 3. It was ensured that each renter has other land for farming and renting it out will not affect their ability to farm to sustain their livelihood. 4. A combination of market comparison approach and negotiated approach were used to set rental fees for each plot. 5. All plots selected are free of squatters, encroachers, or other claims of encumbrances. 6. Landowners and community members were engaged on the land use protocol and sensitized on the project’s grievance mechanism. 80 7. Rental contracts are provided for every plot being rented. These contracts include the endorsement of landowners and witnesses, along with the specific conditions of land use. Each landowner is entitled to a rental fee and 50% of produce from the demonstration plot. 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACT MITIGATION 7.1 Assessment of Potential E&S Risks and Impacts, and mitigation measures The potential E&S risks envisaged on the pilot of CSA/CIS innovations/technologies and identified during the site-specific screening have been summarized in the table below. Table 12 : Potential E&S Risks and Mitigation Measures Potential Risks and Assessment Mitigation Measures Impacts Pesticide and other Environmental contamination, Promote good farming practices that use fewer chemical inputs as per the integrated chemical use for health risks to workers and nearby pest management procedures. agricultural activities at all communities, persistent organic Resort to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides as a last pest mitigation measure. project sites. pollutants (POPs) emission Use pesticides approved by the national government, in particular this project prohibits the use of glyphosate. Integrate training of workers and farmers in the proper handling and disposal of chemical residue and cans. Comply with prescriptions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. Follow pesticide storage procedures contained in the safety data sheets. Consider the direction of the wind during phytosanitary treatments and do not spray against the direction of the wind. Provide appropriate protective clothing and equipment i.e., protective googles, hand gloves, air purifying disposable/washable masks, neoprene gloves, chemical resistant hats. Provide training on the appropriate use of all protective clothing. Avoid practices likely to cause unintentional emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as open burning of agricultural residues treated with pesticides. Prohibit indiscriminate disposal and littering of farmland with empty agrochemical containers to avoid being used for drinking. Provide waste bins for safe keeping of used agrochemical cans at all project sites and safely collect them from farmers for disposal. Explore recycling and disposal schemes with local service providers. Excessive water loss Water wastage, potential conflicts Seek consent of community members before drawing water from a shared community through irrigation over water resources water source. pipelines at Dua, Adaboya, Repair broken control points, canals, and replace damaged pipelines and water holes. Vunama, Asebra Train workers and farmers in the proper handling of water control points and pipelines. Use drip irrigation method for demonstration to facilitate effective water conservation. Conduct water balance assessment to ensure community dugouts are not over- abstracted because of this project. Burning of cleared weeds Air pollution, health risks from Set prohibitions on burning of cleared weeds and waste at project sites. and other residual smoke inhalation Sensitize all project workers and farmers to this prohibition. materials at all project Convert weeds cleared into organic manure for use as mulch. sites Regular supervision of demonstration plots to prevent bush and waste burning at sites. Occupational health and Occupational Health and Safety Include OH&S requirements in workers Code of Conduct (CoC). safety (OH&S) at all (OHS) relating to exposure to Provide OH&S orientation to workers, visiting farmers and other stakeholders. project sites chemicals, inappropriate use of Procure and provide relevant PPE for staff working on demonstration sites, visiting PPE, sun heat, slip and fall, farmers and other stakeholders as and when needed. equipment cut etc. o The minimum PPE includes safety shoes and coveralls. 81 Potential Risks and Assessment Mitigation Measures Impacts o Pesticide treatments will require additional PPE including protective googles, hand gloves, air purifying disposable/washable masks, neoprene gloves, chemical resistant hats. Ensure that all equipment is maintained and in safe operating condition. Inspect all farm equipment with the view of ascertaining its safety status before use. Provide first aid boxes at project demonstration sites. Provide workers and visiting farmers with access to toilets and potable drinking water. Investigate cause of accidents at workplace and maintain a record of health and safety incidents. Workers will have the right to refuse work in unsafe conditions. Comply with prescriptions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. Implement measures for snake and scorpion safety, such as o Clearing vegetation around work areas to reduce habitat. o Educating workers on how to recognize and avoid dangerous wildlife. o Providing snake bite kits and training in their use. o Ensuring quick access to medical treatment for bites and stings. Indiscriminate disposal Environmental pollution, health Provide waste bins at demonstration sites. and improper handling of risks to workers and communities Dispose of waste at approved waste dump sites. solid waste at all project Sensitize workers and visiting farmers on waste disposal arrangements. sites Transmissions of Spread of infectious diseases Provide information on hygiene and preventive measures. communicable diseases among workers Ensure availability of handwashing facilities with soap and water at all sites. during the learning Implement social distancing protocols as necessary. processes at all project Conduct regular health screenings for workers. sites Provide PPE such as masks and gloves. Promote vaccination among workers and residents, when needed. Develop and implement an emergency response plan for outbreaks. Sexual Exploitation and Multiple interfaces between and Include SEA/SH prohibitions and sanctions in Worker’s code of conduct and enforce Abuse (SEA)/Sexual among project workers and compliance. Harassment (SH) at all community members could lead Provide mandatory training and awareness raising for the workforce on SEA/SH project sites to instances of sexual harassment probations. and sexual exploitation and abuse. Informing workers about national laws and institutional policies that make sexual harassment and gender-based violence a punishable offence. As part of Stakeholder Engagement, sensitize farmers and project communities on the risk of SEA/SH and on available resources and services. Provide safe and suitable toilets and washing facilities, separate for men and women workers, particularly during on-farm demonstrations. Provide safe and confidential grievance channels easily accessible to all stakeholders. Child labor at all project Employment of underage workers Enforced prohibitions on child labor, persons under 18 years will not be permitted to site work on AICCRA-Ghana demonstration plots. Sensitize all partners and farmer groups on child labor prohibitions. Institute age verification for new workers before engagement. This will include national identification cards, passports, alternative methods including copies of academic certificates, testimony/affidavits from officials of the schools attended, a medical examination, statements from family members and locality/village officials/local authorities. Develop a simple protocol in line with ESS2 of how to handle a child labor case. Exclusion of vulnerable High-profile community Use local languages for all engagements and meetings with farmers. groups at all project development interventions like Engage women farmers separately from men. location this could be subject to elite Organize appropriate focus groups and learning sessions. capture and exclusion of Engage the services of sign language interpreters. vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities. Maintain sensitivity to local culture and traditional meeting and event days. Provide free transport services for PWDs as and when necessary. 82 7.1 Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Management Plan Summary Table 13: Environmental and Social Risk and Impacts Management Plan Type of risk Potential Key Risk Proposed mitigation measures Responsible Estimated impact receptor level cost (US$) Planning Phase Site not suitable CSA IITA and Moderat • Conduct E&S due diligence on proposed sites to ensure suitability. IITA and $5000 for CSA demonstrations partners e Partners, AICCRA (already demonstrations works not Farmers E&S Specialists implemen implementable ted) IITA and Non- IITA and Moderat • Incorporate AICCRA E&S requirements into grantees contract. IITA and AICCRA $2000 implementing compliance partners e • Train grant partners and workers on E&S requirements and E&S Specialists (already partners not with ESMP procedures under the AICCRA project and for pilot of CSA implemen aware of ted) innovations. safeguard requirements Farmers not Non- Farmers Moderat • Train farmers on applicable AICCRA E&S safeguard requirements, IITA and $2000 aware of compliance e particularly grievance mechanism, child labor and SEA/SH implementing (ongoing) safeguard with ESMP prohibitions, and occupational health and safety measures. partners requirements Implementation Phase Pesticide and Air, water, and Workers, Moderat • Promote good farming practices that use fewer chemical inputs as IITA, UDS, CSIR- $3000 other chemical land pollution, farmers, e per the integrated pest management procedures. CRI, CABI, use for Poisoning of animals, • Resort to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides as a last pest PPRSD, agricultural aquatic and and mitigation measure. AICCRA-Ghana activities at all terrestrial life. consumers • Use pesticides approved by the national government, in particular Safeguard Focal project sites. of farm this project prohibits the use of glyphosate. Person products • Integrate training of workers and farmers in the proper handling and disposal of chemical residue and cans. • Comply with prescriptions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. • Follow pesticide storage procedures contained in the safety data sheets. • Consider the direction of the wind during phytosanitary treatments and do not spray against the direction of the wind. 83 Type of risk Potential Key Risk Proposed mitigation measures Responsible Estimated impact receptor level cost (US$) • Provide appropriate protective clothing and equipment i.e., protective googles, hand gloves, air purifying disposable/washable masks, neoprene gloves, chemical resistant hats. • Provide training on the appropriate use of all protective clothing. • Avoid practices likely to cause unintentional emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as open burning of agricultural residues treated with pesticides. • Prohibit indiscriminate disposal and littering of farmland with empty agrochemical containers to avoid being used for drinking. • Provide waste bins for safe keeping of used agrochemical cans at all project sites and safely collect them from farmers for disposal. • Explore recycling and disposal schemes with local service providers. Excessive water Water scarcity Other users Moderat • Seek consent of community members before drawing water from a IITA, UDS, CSIR- $6000 loss through - livestock, e shared community water source. CRI and IWMI irrigation residents, • Repair broken control points, canals, and replace damaged pipelines at Dua, and pipelines and water holes. Adaboya, farmers • Train workers and farmers in the proper handling of water control Vunama, Asebra points and pipelines. • Use drip irrigation method for demonstration to facilitate effective water conservation. • Conduct water balance assessment to ensure community dugouts are not over-abstracted because of this project. Burning of cleared Air pollution Residents • Set prohibitions on burning of cleared weeds and waste at project IITA, UDS, CSIR- $0 weeds and other Climate Low sites. CRI residual materials change • Sensitize all project workers and farmers on this prohibition. at all project sites • Convert weeds cleared into organic manure for use as mulch. • Regular supervision of demonstration plots to prevent bush and waste burning at sites. Occupational Injuries, Workers & Moderat • Include OH&S requirements in workers Code of Conduct (CoC). IITA, UDS, CSIR- $5000 health and safety accidents, Visiting e • Provide OH&S orientation to workers, visiting farmers and other CRI, CABI, (OH&S) at all disruption of Farmers stakeholders. PPRSD, project sites workflow etc. • Procure and provide relevant PPE for staff working on AICCRA-Ghana demonstration sites, visiting farmers and other stakeholders as and Safeguard Focal when needed. Person o The minimum PPE includes safety shoes and coveralls. 84 Type of risk Potential Key Risk Proposed mitigation measures Responsible Estimated impact receptor level cost (US$) o Pesticide treatments will require additional PPE including protective googles, hand gloves, air purifying disposable/washable masks, neoprene gloves, chemical resistant hats. • Ensure that all equipment is maintained and in safe operating condition. • Inspect all farm equipment with a view of ascertaining its safety status before use. • Provide first aid boxes at project demonstration sites. • Provide workers and visiting farmers with access to toilets and potable drinking water. • Investigate cause of accidents at workplace and maintain a record of health and safety incidents. • Workers will have the right to refuse work in unsafe conditions. • Comply with prescriptions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. Indiscriminate Land and water Residents, Low • Provide waste bins at demonstration sites. IITA, UDS, CSIR- $1000 disposal and pollution, river • Dispose of waste at approved waste dump sites. CRI, improper poisoning of bodies, • Sensitize workers and visiting farmers on waste disposal AICCRA-Ghana handling of solid terrestrial and land, and arrangements. Safeguard Focal waste at all aquatic life. animals, Person project sites Transmissions of Increased Residents; Moderat • Provide information on hygiene and preventive measures. IITA, UDS, CSIR- $1000 communicable spread of the workers e • Ensure availability of handwashing facilities with soap and water at CRI, CABI, diseases during communicable all sites. PPRSD, the learning diseases • Implement social distancing protocols as necessary. AICCRA-Ghana processes at all • Conduct regular health screenings for workers. Safeguard Focal project sites • Provide PPE such as masks and gloves. Person • Promote vaccination among workers and residents, when needed. • Develop and implement an emergency response plan for outbreaks. 85 Type of risk Potential Key Risk Proposed mitigation measures Responsible Estimated impact receptor level cost (US$) Sexual Female workers Workers, Low • Include SEA/SH prohibitions and sanctions in Worker’s code of IITA, UDS, CSIR- $2,000 Exploitation and being harassed. residents conduct and enforce compliance. CRI, CABI, Abuse Female farmers • Provide mandatory training and awareness raising for the PPRSD, (SEA)/Sexual and other workforce on SEA/SH probations. AICCRA-Ghana Harassment (SH) community • Informing workers about national laws and institutional policies Safeguard Focal at all project sites members being that make sexual harassment and gender-based violence a Person sexually punishable offence. exploited. • As part of Stakeholder Engagement, sensitize farmers and project Violation of communities on the risk of SEA/SH and on available resources and sexual privacy. services. • Provide safe and suitable toilets and washing facilities, separate for men and women workers, particularly during on-farm demonstrations. • Provide safe and confidential grievance channels easily accessible to all stakeholders. Child labor at all Underage Children in • Enforced prohibitions on child labor, persons under 18 years will not IITA, UDS, CSIR- No cost. project site children host Low be permitted to work on AICCRA-Ghana demonstration plots. CRI, CABI, engaged in communiti • Sensitize all partners and farmer groups on child labor prohibitions. PPRSD, hazardous work es • Institute age verification for new workers before engagement. This AICCRA-Ghana will include national identification cards, passports, alternative Safeguard Focal methods including copies of academic certificates, Person testimony/affidavits from officials of the schools attended, a medical examination, statements from family members and locality/village officials/local authorities. • Develop a simple protocol in line with ESS2 of how to handle a child labor case. Exclusion of Vulnerable Low • Use local languages for all engagements and meetings with farmers. IITA, UDS, CSIR- $2000 Discrimination vulnerable groups against person people • Engage women farmers separately from men. CRI, at all project with disability • Organize appropriate focus groups and learning sessions. location and against • Engage the services of sign language interpreters. women and • Maintain sensitivity to local culture and traditional meeting and youth event days. • Provide free transport services for PWDs as and when necessary. 86 7.2 Chance Find Procedures In the event of finding previously unknown sites or features of cultural value during project implementation, the following standard procedures for identification, protection from theft, treatment and recording should be followed. Specifically, i. Stop the activities in the area; ii. Delineate the discovered site or area; iii. Secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects; iv. Notify the AICCRA-Ghana E&S Specialist who in turn will notify the responsible authorities; v. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, in collaboration with responsible local authorities (where applicable), would be in charge of protecting and preserving the site before deciding on subsequent appropriate procedures; vi. The Ministry of Tourism and National Museums and Monument Board will make decisions on how to handle the findings. This could include changes in the layout (such as when finding irremovable remains of cultural or archaeological importance), conservation, restoration, and salvage; vii. The Ministry of Tourism shall communicate implementation of the authority decision concerning the management of the finding in writing; and viii. Demonstration activity could resume only after permission is given from Ministry of Tourism or other responsible authorities concerned with safeguarding the cultural heritage. 7.3 Pest Management Plan The management of various pests under the AICCRA project will be based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This approach recommends the combination of multiple control methods against pests while considering the use of chemical pesticides as a last resort. In this regard, several management methods such as biological control, agronomic control, varietal selection, and the judicious use of chemicals when needed. This Action Plan includes measures to (i) Promote the use of alternative pest management strategies, and (ii) Promote IPM technologies. Table 14 below provides the pest management strategy for each of the five selected value chains. Table 14: Pest Management Strategy 1. Yam Pest/Disease Intervention/ Management Strategy Nematodes- Root knot • Select and use improved/tolerant varieties. and the yam • Select clean and healthy yam setts. nematodes, • Amend ridges/mounds with bio-nematicides such as neem, mucuna leaves powder at 40g per plant. • Use poor host crop such as maize as intercrop or fallow crops. • Plant antagonistic plants such as crotalaria and marigold as rotation crops during fallow period. 87 • Ensure proper farm sanitation; some weeds serve as alternative host therefore regular clearing of weeds is advisable. • Dip and treat tubers in aqueous neem extract before storage. Insect Pest- Beetles, • Select healthy and clean planting materials. Millipedes, scale • Treat freshly cut setts with mixture of insecticides and fungicide such as mancozeb insects, mealybugs and lambda cyhalothrin respectively before planting. • Botanicals such as neem powder can be incorporated into the ridges/mounds at planting. Yam Anthracnose • Treat freshly cut setts with a mixture of fungicide and insecticide treatment. Disease Viral diseases • Practice positive selection to select virus free material for setts during planting. 2. Sweet Potato Pest/Disease Intervention/ Management Strategy Sweet Potato Weevils • Select site with required nutrients. • Manipulate planting time to avoid peak period of the pest. • Select and use clean and healthy vines free from insect damage/symptoms. • Treat vines with insecticides before planting. • Frequent re-ridging to cover tubers to avoid oviposition in tubers. • Harvest at the right time to escape pest attack. • Properly dispose of infested vines and roots to reduce build up. • Practice crop rotation. Viral Disease Complex • Select, cut, and use vines from healthy mother plants. • Select and use improved tolerant varieties. • Rouge (remove) and bury/burn infected plants as soon as they are observed in the field. • Remove all debris from field before planting and always ensure proper field sanitation. Fungal Disease- • Use Improved tolerant sweet potato varieties. Alternaria leaf spots, • Select healthy parents to use as planting material. Phomopsis leaf • Practice crop rotation to reduce inoculum build up. spot/blight, Black rot • Ensure proper field sanitation. • Treat vines with fungicides such as mancozeb before planting. • Dip tubers in fungicides before storage. 3. Tomatoes Pest/Disease Intervention/ Management Strategy White flies • Seek advice and grow improved/ tolerant cultivars. • Avoid intercropping with crops such as garden eggs and pepper which may serve as alternative hosts. • Neem based extracts and microbial insecticides such as Bt. (Bypel) Abamectin can be applied and potash-based soap such as alata samina can be sprayed. • Use of sticky traps. • Plant companion plants such as mint to attract and conserve natural enemies such as lady bird beetles, wasps, lacewings, pirate bugs and hover flies. • Judiciously apply recommended doses of chemical insecticide when infestation is very heavy and only as last resort. Example: Indoxacurb. Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam can be used only before flowering, to save bees that pollinate flowers. Aphids • Aphids can be dislodged by applying water on leaves. • For large aphid invasion, dust plants with ashes. 88 • Apply neem-based extracts and soapy water. Soapy water should be reapplied every 2-3 days for 2weeks. • Apply chemical insecticides only when aphid infestation is very high. Fruit Borers • Apply neem-based extracts/products. • Plant trap crops such as marigold to attract pest. • When necessary, judiciously spray insecticides such as cypermethrin at the given recommended rate at the beginning of the flowering period and continue biweekly. Tuta absoluta (Leaf • Apply neem-based extracts/products. miner) • Use pheromone traps to monitor and mass trap adult moth. • Regularly control weeds which serve as alternative host to the pest. Spider mites • Ensure regular monitoring and scouting for symptoms of red mites. • Plough to bury crop residues into soil before planting. • Application of bio-products such as neem, Bt (e.g. Bypel) and emamectin benzoate (e.g. Attack) or other biorationals like Warrior super at recommended doses. • Apply Sulphur based pesticides or Abamectin. • Practice intercropping with crops such as basil and garlic. • Irrigate field regularly. Root- knot nematodes • Practice crop rotation (about 3 years). • Intercrop tomato with African marigold. • Plant cover crops such as crotalaria to reduce nematodes build up. • Amend soil with neem cake, neem leaf powder and/or poultry manure before planting. Damping off • Sterilize seed bed/growing media before nursery. • Treat seeds with fungicides before sowing. • Regulate water supply during nursing. • Do not irrigate late in the evening and allow water on leaves to sufficiently dry. • Avoid overcrowding seedlings on seed bed. • Apply copper-based fungicides in severe attack. Early and Late Blight • Plant improved tomato cultivars. • Follow good agricultural practices such as proper spacing of plants, pruning and staking. • Ensure proper field sanitation. • Judiciously apply pesticides such as mancozeb, Sulphur/copper-based in severe cases. Wilt • Use improved planting materials. • Treat seeds with fungicides before planting. • Ensure good/appropriate soil moisture. • Practice proper field sanitation such as clearing of alternative hosts, removing, and not buying affected/dead plants. • Avoid intercropping or rotating with other vegetable crops such as pepper, garden eggs. • Apply recommended dosage/rate of nutrients. • Nematode attacks increase severity of wilting, hence manage nematodes. • Copper-based fungicides may be applied in severe cases to manage bacteria wilt. Anthracnose • Use improved cultivars and disease-free seeds. • Practice crop rotation with non-host crop. • Follow good agricultural practices, such as mulching, staking and harvesting fruits at the right time. 89 • Judiciously apply fungicides such as; Carbendazim, Benzimidazole, Azoxystrobin, etc. 4. Cowpea Pest/Disease Intervention/ Management Plan Aphids • Select and use improved/tolerant varieties. • Rotate cowpea with crops such as maize. • Intercrop cowpea with crops such as garlic. • Ensure good agricultural practices such as applying the recommended planting distances. • Application of bio-pesticides such as neem-based products. • Judicious application of insecticides. Flower Thrips • Grow tolerant cowpea varieties. • Plant early maturing varieties to escape periods of heavy attack. • Intercrop cowpea with cereals such as maize to reduce population of thrips. • Apply neem-based products. • Judiciously apply recommended insecticides such as Chlorpyrifos. cowpea pod borer • Plant improved tolerant varieties. • Hand pick and crush insects and their eggs. • Practice good cultural practices such as weed control, as weeds can serve as hiding place for the insects. • Prune excess leaves from stem to allow sunlight. • Judiciously apply recommended insecticides. Parasitic weeds- Striga • Select and grow improved/tolerant varieties. • Practice crop rotation with non-host plants. • Apply optimal amount of Nitrogen nutrients. • Spray recommended herbicides. • Timely weeding/ hand pulling of striga before it flowers. Mosaic virus disease • Plant tolerant varieties. • Effectively control insect pest such as aphids. Cercospora Leaf spot • Plant tolerant varieties. disease • Treat seeds with fungicides before planting. • Practice proper field sanitation such as removal of weeds which may serve as alternative host and removal of plant debris. • Intercrop cowpea with other crops such as maize. • Judiciously apply recommended fungicides such as mancozeb at recommended dosages. 5. Maize Pest/disease Intervention/ Management Plan Striga • Plant improved/tolerant maize varieties. • Pull out striga plants prior to flowering. • Cultural practices such as crop rotation with poor host such as groundnut and soyabean. • Apply recommended fertilizer at the recommended rates. Stem borers • Remove, destroy or bury crop residues on the field after harvest. • Amend soil with neem seed cake/neem-based product at planting. • Crop rotation with poor hosts such as legumes. • Intercrop maize with non-host crops such as cassava and legumes. • Practice push-pull technology. • Wisely apply insecticides such as Karate at the recommended rate when necessary. 90 Fall Army worm • Use recommended maize varieties. • Do not plant in already infested field. • Remove and destroy crop residues before planting. • Frequently control weeds and other alternative hosts as they may serve as breeding spots. • Monitor fields regularly for early warning signs. • Spray neem-based products. • Spray recommended insecticides such as Bt - Bacillus thuringiensis (Bypel), Emamectin benzoate etc. at the recommended rate and time. • Practice push-pull technology. Cutworms • Turn up the soil to expose them to sunlight and predators such as birds. • Monitor field, hand pick and mechanically destroy caterpillars. • Apply Bt based products. • Treat soil with insecticides such as chlorpyrifos. Maize Streak virus • Use tolerant varieties. • Manage vectors by judiciously applying recommended insecticides. 6. Groundnut Aphids • Select and use improved/tolerant varieties. • Rotate groundnut with cereals such as maize. • Apply neem-based products as bio-pesticides. • Judiciously apply insecticides when infestation is severe. Groundnut Rosette • Use resistant varieties. Virus • Plant early to avoid peak periods of aphid infestation, which transmit the virus. • Control aphids using insecticides. • Practice crop rotation to reduce virus buildup. Leaf Spot (Cercospora) • Use resistant varieties. • Apply fungicides such as chlorothalonil or mancozeb at recommended rates. • Ensure proper field sanitation, removing plant debris and weeds. • Rotate crops to break disease cycle. Rust • Use resistant varieties. • Apply fungicides such as tebuconazole at recommended rates. • Practice crop rotation with non-host crops. • Remove and destroy infected plant debris. Termites • Treat seeds with insecticides before planting. • Apply soil treatments with termiticides. • Use organic amendments like neem cake. • Regular monitoring and destruction of termite nests. Cutworms • Plough the field to expose larvae to predators and sunlight. • Monitor fields regularly and handpick larvae. • Apply Bt-based products. • Use chlorpyrifos to treat soil if necessary. Groundnut Bruchid • Use resistant varieties. • Store harvested groundnuts in clean, dry conditions. • Treat storage facilities with insecticides. • Regularly inspect stored groundnuts for signs of infestation. Groundnut Rust • Use improved tolerant varieties. • Apply fungicides like mancozeb or tebuconazole at recommended rates. • Rotate crops to avoid continuous planting of groundnuts. • Ensure field sanitation by removing plant debris. 91 Considerations and Precautionary Measures on Pesticides Use. As a last resort, the Alliance Team anticipate using very small quantities of pesticides to control resistant pests and diseases on varieties of beans to be promoted. As result, the project has considered the following precautionary measures to guide the purchase, handling, and disposal of pesticides. Consideration of Hazard Status before buying A variety of pesticides are available on the market; however, some pesticides are not supposed to be accessed because they are either classified 1a (extremely hazardous) and 1b (Highly hazardous), phase out or restricted on the World Health Organization (WHO) listing. Table 15 gives the WHO Hazard classification schedule based on WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard and Guidelines to Classification 2009. Table 15 : WHO Classification of Pesticides by Hazard WHO Class Hazard statement Colour band 1a VERY TOXIC RED 1b TOXIC RED 2 HARMFUL YELLOW 3 CAUTION BLUE 4 NONE GREEN Based on this classification, the AICCRA project will not resort to the use of pesticides labelled under category 1a and 1b of the WHO classification. The table below specifies the classification class of pesticides considered to be used on AICCRA demonstration. Table 16 : WHO classification Level of Proposed Pesticides to be used on CSA demonstration plots. Pesticides WHO classification Chlorpyrifos Moderately hazardous (Class Acephate II) Decis : Deltamethrin Dimethoate Dichlorvos Emamectin benzoate Bacillus thuringiensis Slightly hazardous (Class III) mancozeb Trichoderma viride Additional precautionary measures when buying pesticides: • Buy products from a reputable source. • Buy only what is needed to avoid excessive storage leading to expired products. 92 • Read the label, to be sure the product is safe to use, if unsure, seek further advice. • Do not buy a product with a damaged or leaking container. • Ensure the product lid is sealed and has not been tampered with, when in doubt, check secondary foil seal. • Ensure the product label is present, in good condition and readable. Key features to check will include brand name, precautionary statement, direction of use, storage information, disposal information, hazards for human and domestic animals as well as signal words (danger! warnings! and danger!) ▪ Never accept or ask for agrochemicals that have been decanted from their original containers. ▪ Buy the container size that suits your needs. Precautional measures when transporting pesticides. Do’s : • Do isolate pesticides from food or animal feed. • Do put smaller pesticide containers in a carton box or heavy-duty plastic bag. • Do secure pesticide containers to avoid them tipping over. • Do put the pesticide in the luggage area of the vehicle-not between passengers. Dont’s • Don’t leave pesticide unattended on the vehicle if the vehicle has no luggage area. • Don’t transport pesticides in unsealed containers or leaking lids. In the event of any leakage - • Keep people away from any spillage. • Contain the spillage by placing soil or sand around the spill. • Carefully add more soil or sand to absorb spill. • Sweep or shovel up the absorbed spill and place in strong bag. • Label bag and seek help from product supplier for best disposal options. • If the spillage involves a significant volume notify local emergency services. Precautionary Measures on Pesticides Storage • A separate lockable store will be constructed at the farm site for safe storage of chemicals. • Create adequate space for products to be stored tidily and safely. • Do not locate stores in areas that are prone to flooding and/or fire. • Label products in the store with appropriate hazard warnings. • Record all products in store, their delivery, and their use. • Ensure that the storage location is outside of any dwelling area and far away from children and animals. • Keep products off the floor. • Regularly assess expiry dates of agrochemical products with a view to ensuring early usage and safe disposal of expired products. 93 • Avoid excessive storage by ensuring that the quantity of agrochemical products purchased responds to the immediate needs of a particular farming season. • Have absorbent materials available to mop up spillages. Precautionary Measures on Pesticides Use • Train employees in the spreading of pesticides and make them aware of the risk. • Provide personnel with adequate PPE and equipment specified by job safety analysis and safety data sheets. The typical key items are listed below. Spraying diluted product solutions: o Boots or non-permeable footwear o Overall, 2-piece suit or long-sleeved shirt & long trousers o Broad brimmed hat For preparing undiluted products also use: o Gloves o Face shield or goggles o Apron o Respirator - needed for volatile products. • Comply with prescriptions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. • Consider the direction of the wind during phytosanitary treatments and do not spray against the direction of the wind. • Set up means of hygiene (running water for rinsing) and first aid kits. • Respect safety deadlines after each treatment so as not to expose operators to pesticide residues. • Comply with the instructions contained in the pesticide safety data sheets. Precautionary measures on pesticides application. • Avoid, as far as possible, the aerial application of pesticides. • Use, whenever possible, organic, or risk-free products whenever possible. • Respect safety deadlines before harvest. • Ensure that animals and unauthorized persons are not in places where phytosanitary products are applied. • Wash (e.g. triple rinse or pressure wash method) and dispose of (e.g. crushing, shredding or sending it to an incinerator) pesticide packaging and containers to ensure that they will not serve as containers for food or drinking water. Precautionary measures on the disposal of used and expired chemicals. • A separate bin for safe disposal of used agrochemicals cans and expired products will be provided at site. • Liaise with Crop Life for safe disposal of used agrochemical cans. • Avoid open burning of agricultural organic waste and other waste. • Prohibit indiscriminate disposal and littering of farmland with empty agrochemical containers to avoid being used for drinking. 94 • Disposal through a licensed hazardous waste handling facility where feasible. For instance, Crop Life. 7.4 Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities for Implementing the ESMP This ESMP will be implemented by IITA, CSIR-CRI, CABI, PPRSD and UDS through the leadership of AICCRA Cluster Lead for Ghana and with assistance from the Safeguard Focal Person for the AICCRA Ghana. The AICCRA Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialists will provide additional oversight to ensure compliance to and implementation of material actions proposed to mitigate key risks in this ESMP. Detailed level of oversight, responsibility and key roles are provided in the table below: Table 17: Institutional Roles and Responsibilities in the implementation of the ESMP. Institution/Lead Person Roles and Responsibilities AICCRA Senior E&S • Provide technical support for the implementation of material actions in this Specialist plan. • Monitor compliance with mitigation measures through regular field monitoring and on-the-spot checks. • Provide biannual reports to the World Bank on the progress of implementation and compliance. AICCRA-Ghana E&S • Facilitate overall coordination and support the implementation of material Specialist actions in the ESMP. • Sensitize project partners and workers on this ESMP. • Monitor compliance with mitigation measures through regular field monitoring and on-the-spot checks. • Document implementation progress, grievances received, incidents and accidents. • Provide biannual progress updates on implementation and compliance with AICCRA PMC (Project Management Committee). Implementing partners • Sensitize workers and farmers on this ESMP and on all mitigation measures. (IWMI, CABI, CSIR-CRI, • Implement applicable material actions. UDS) Community Level • Receive grievances from the farmers and community members and escalate Grievance Focal Persons them to the AICCRA-Ghana Safeguard Focal Person. 7.5 Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building for ESMP Implementation For effective implementation of this ESMP, there will be a need to enhance the appreciation of implementation partners, project workers, and beneficiary farmers on the E&S mitigation and response measures considered in this document. Capacity building is needed for key partners to enable them to take appropriate responsibility in implementing mitigation measures outlined in this document. The following broad areas, but not limited to, have been identified as key areas that deserve attention for capacity building: - Occupational health and safety measures. - Engagement of casual laborers. - Electronic waste management. 95 - Mechanism for inclusion of vulnerable groups i.e., women and persons with disabilities. - Receipt and management of grievances including cases linked to SEA/SH; and - Reporting on E&S issues. The AICCRA Senior E&S Specialist will lead the capacity-building sessions on occupational health and safety engagement of casual laborers, the mechanism for inclusion of vulnerable groups, grievance mechanism and reporting. 7.6 Grievance Mechanism Two major grievance mechanisms are currently available for all workers and stakeholders working under the AICCRA Ghana project for reporting of grievances including SEA/SH. These include (i) the CGIAR grievance mechanism, and (ii) the project grievance mechanism provided in the AICCRA-Ghana stakeholder engagement plan (SEP). All workers will be informed of the grievance mechanism at the time of their engagement on the project including measures put in place to protect them against any reprisal for its use. The mechanism will also allow for anonymous complaints to be raised and addressed through providing options for people reporting a grievance to not mention their names, positions or place or workstation. 7.7 The CGIAR Grievance Mechanism Scope The grievance mechanism procedure primarily applies to all CGIAR staff members (covering all types of employment contracts including, but without limitation to regular, consultants, part-time, contract of service and temporary employees), interns, visiting scientists, fellows, contractors, grantees, visitors, donors, volunteers, board members and vendors of the CGIAR centers. Types of complaints The mechanism handles complaints relating to three broad areas: i. Fraud related breaches: these include embezzlement, theft, bribery, and kickbacks. ii. Compliance related breaches: these include unsafe working conditions, vandalism, falsification of contracts, reports, or records, non-compliance to research ethics, etc.; and iii. Human resource related breaches: these include sexual harassment, discrimination, abuse, bullying, conflict of interest, alcohol, substance abuse, etc. Reporting/grievance uptake point Staff members and all other stakeholders may choose one of two ways to submit their reports: 1. Anonymous reporting using a CGIAR wide external service provider known as Lighthouse. The provider has been commissioned by the CGIAR to manage anonymous reporting services for all the CGIAR centers through an ethics hotline. Cases can be reported to Lighthouse anonymous reporting page, Email reports@lighthouse-services.com and Toll-Free number: 844-709-6000. Complaints received by Lighthouse through these channels including cases linked with SEA/SH will be shared with 96 the AICCRA-Ghana Safeguard Focal Person for record-keeping and reporting, and referral of SEA survivors to GBV service providers listed at Annex 6. OR 2. Direct reporting to a supervisor/manager/director/People and Organizational Development directorate (P&OD)/or a colleague. Procedure for direct reporting • The whistle-blower/reporter shall prepare a written report to a supervisor/manager/ relevant director/P&OD directorate/other colleagues. If the report is made verbally, the person receiving the report shall capture the matter in writing and submit it to either the supervisor/manager/ director or P&OD directorate. • The person receiving the report shall acknowledge receipt of the report. • The information provided shall be reviewed and may be the basis of an internal and/or external investigation into the issues which are reported. Procedure for anonymous reporting through the Lighthouse ethics hotline The whistle-blower/reporter: • Makes a call through the ethics hotline or accesses the online case management system platform and provides information to the external vendor (Lighthouse) which will be captured as a report. Lighthouse: • Captures all the information and generates a report that will be shared with the designated recipient. • May liaise with the whistle-blower/reporter to seek clarification, gather additional information and work with the whistle-blower as appropriate to build their confidence or encourage them to come out of anonymity (as may be relevant). • Analyzes and shares the report with the designated case system administrator and designated recipient at employees’ organization. Designated recipient: The designated recipients of the reports will generally be the directors of the institute and the reports that will be shared with them will align to their area of work according to the three broad areas of breaches. The designated recipient will: • Receive a copy of the report submitted to Lighthouse; and • Review the report and consult internally to decide on the way forward. Case management investigator: Case management investigators are the designated investigators of the case, who shall investigate the case in accordance with institutional policies and procedures. Case management system (CMS) administrator: A P&OD official will assume the role of a case management systems administrator responsible for updating case information on the Lighthouse platform in accordance with the institute’s policies and procedures. Investigation • After receipt of the ethical report either directly or anonymously, an initial assessment shall be carried out to determine if there is a genuine concern. If the concern is considered to fall more properly within 97 a different type of complaint procedure, such as a grievance, the whistle-blower/reporter will be informed accordingly by the supervisor and P&OD directorate and be provided with advice on how to proceed. • If there are sufficient grounds to initiate a full investigation, a diverse committee shall be constituted by the Director General or his designate to investigate the matter and recommend the course of action to be taken. During the investigation, the alleged perpetrator(s) may be given the opportunity to represent their argument. • The amount of contact between the individual submitting a report and the body investigating the concern will depend on the nature of the issue, the clarity of information provided, and whether the employee remains accessible for follow-up. • Where breaches of duty are confirmed to have occurred, the investigation report will provide recommendations on what action is appropriate, which may involve disciplinary procedures of the institute. Action will be taken to correct the failure and avoid similar events in the future as well as to address the alleged perpetrator(s) of misconduct. Conclusion of cases • Management endeavors to conclude all cases under investigation within a month of the start of the process, although it is recognized that there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances. • At the discretion of the institute and subject to legal and other constraints, the reporter may receive information about the outcome of an investigation. • Should the whistle-blower/reporter still feel either victimized or disadvantaged following the report and subsequent investigation, they may choose to escalate the issue to the next level in the form of an appeal to the next level of authority. Should the issue raised be with reference to the P&OD director, then the whistleblower/reporter shall raise it with the Director General. In the event that the matter is with regards to the Director General, it may be raised with the Chair of the Board and subsequently in cases where the matter refers to the Chair of the Board, the staff member may raise it directly with the Director of the CGIAR Internal Audit Unit. 7.8 AICCRA-Ghana Grievance Mechanism The AICCRA-Ghana grievance mechanism outlined in the cluster SEP constitutes an alternative pathway for project workers and community members to report grievances including cases linked to SEA/SH. The mechanism provides for several channels for lodging complaints including emails, phone calls, texts, letters, and a toll-free line that will also be accessible to all workers and community members. Information on this grievance will be made available to all workers and community members to ensure that they have adequate knowledge on how to lodge a complaint and receive resolution through the mechanism. Further details of the AICCRA-Ghana GM can be found in the project SEP approved by the World Bank. Posters summarizing key information and contact details will be made available to two project communities prior to commencement of field activities. Community Level 98 In each of the project communities, two community members/farmers (one man and one woman) involved in the project activities will be designated as a focal person for receiving complaints. When designated, the contact details of such persons shall be disclosed and made available to community members. The community focal person will be trained in how to receive and promptly lodge complaints with the Safeguard Focal Person. Community members will also be allowed to lodge complaints directly during project meetings and consultation sessions with community members. 7.9 SEA/SH Grievance Mechanism Overall, the AICCRA Ghana project has prepared an SEA/SH mitigation and response action to detail material measures for preventing and handling potential SEA/SH cases. Based on the measures set out in this plan an anonymous reporting channels have been provided as part of CGIAR and AICCRA-Ghana grievance uptake points to encourage reporting of SEA/SH related cases. When such a case is reported, the complainant would be provided with information about the available services including confidentially appropriate medical and psychological support, emergency accommodation, and any other necessary services as appropriate, including legal assistance. The Safeguard Focal Person will refer all SEA/SH survivors to relevant GBV service provider identified by the project. When a case of that nature is reported, the Safeguard Focal persons will record the case with the following limited information: the nature of the incident, the age and sex of the complainant, and whether the survivor was referred to a service provider. The AICCRA-Ghana Grievance committee will review all cases referred to it to determine and agree upon course of action for handling and resolving the case. The appropriate institution that employs the perpetrator will be required to review the case and take disciplinary action in accordance with the employer’s code of conduct and the national legislation. Disciplinary actions may include informal warning, formal warning, additional training, loss of salary, suspension, or termination of employment. A survivor may continue to receive support from the appropriate GBV service providers while the case is being handled by the employer. 7.10 Public Consultation, Participation, and Information Disclosure Information disclosure and informed stakeholder consultations have been crucial processes leading to the preparation of this ESMP and will continue to be carried out during the implementation of this ESMP and throughout the project lifespan. During the site-specific assessments stakeholder consultations were held leadership of the various cooperative groups, a section of farmers and other interested parties. Key Responses and Feedback from stakeholders • Provide safety boots and PPE for farmers, especially those who are spraying pesticides. • Ensure that inputs, especially seeds and other farming materials, are available on time before the start of activities. • Ensure that farmers providing the land are not affected by the loss of income. • Support farmers against pests that are causing yield losses, including the most dangerous ones like thrips and the fall armyworm. 99 • Support women in income-generating activities since they do not have access to land. • Farmers in other neighboring communities should be allowed to visit the demonstration sites for learning. In furtherance of this initial consultation exercise, additional measures will be taken to address the consultation and participation needs of vulnerable groups, such as women. The project will continue with women-focused group discussions facilitated by women who consider homegrown measures to ensure full project benefit to women. The project will hold quarterly meetings with the respective farmer cooperatives to update them on the usage and management of the storage facility and measures being implemented to avoid, mitigate, and respond to E&S risks and impacts. In accordance with the AICCRA-AF SEP, the project team will publicly disclose this ESMP to all stakeholders. Project workers and community members will be educated on the risk mitigation measures and what is required of them when visiting the CSA demonstration plots. Various methods, such as community meetings, focus group discussions, public announcements, and posters would be used to educate farmers and ensure their full compliance with the E&S risk mitigation measures. 7.11 Environmental and Social Monitoring, Reporting, and Completion Audit Monitoring Monitoring of compliance with mitigation measures contained in this document will constitute an essential activity in the implementation of this plan. E&S monitoring will aim to ensure compliance with: i. The mitigation measures proposed in this plan; ii. Commitment of partners in connection with the implementation of mitigation measures applicable to their operations; and iii. Requirements relating to national laws and regulations. Reporting on the ESMP The AICCRA-Ghana E&S Specialist shall be responsible for providing progress updates on compliance and implementation status of material actions contained in the plan. At a minimum, the report will include the following issues: i. Grievance received, resolved, and outstanding; ii. Incidents and accidents recorded; iii. Changes made to the ESMP due to the identification of new E&S risks or scale up of CSA pilot demonstrations; and iv. Difficulties and/or constraints relating to the implementation of the ESMP. Completion Audit Consistent with the requirements of ESS-1, a completion audit will be commissioned at the end of the two-year of the AF phase. The audit will allow the AICCRA-Ghana team to verify whether the mitigation measures proposed in this plan have been implemented as required. The audit will also evaluate and 100 ascertain whether the actions prescribed in the ESMP contributed to improving the overall environmental and social outcomes of the project. 7.12 Indicative Budget for Implementation of ESMP. The following project activities will be undertaken to facilitate the implementation of this ESMP: • Public disclosure of the ESMP in national newspapers. • Sensitization of project partners, workers, and stakeholders on the E&S risk mitigation measures contained in this ESMP. • Field monitoring of compliance with mitigation measures in this ESMP. • An E&S audit to ascertain the extent of compliance with the World Bank’s ESF requirements and procedures. All the activities outlined above will be financed from the project budget, and the estimated cost for implementing these activities is presented in table 18 below. Table 18: Indicative Budget # E&S Activity Estimate Cost (USD) 1. Disclosure of ESMP $200 2. Sensitization of partners, workers, and stakeholders $3,000 3. Stakeholder Engagements to share project updates $3,000 4. E&S audits $8,000 5. Occupational health and safety (OH&S) at all project sites $5,000 (Protective equipment, first aid boxes, etc.) 6. Monitoring of project sites $3,000 7. Management of pesticides and other chemical used during field $3,000 activities 8. Management of Excessive water loss through irrigation pipelines $1,000 at Asebra 9. Indiscriminate disposal and improper handling of solid waste at $1,000 all project sites 10. Transmissible diseases at all project sites $1,000 11. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)/Sexual Harassment (SH) at $2,000 all project sites 12. Exclusion of vulnerable groups $1,000 13. Operationalization of the GRM $2,000 Total $33,200 7.13 Conclusion AICCRA Ghana Cluster acknowledges that the activities and operations during the implementation of CSA technologies could potentially impact on the environment, workers, communities, and is very mindful of its obligations towards the protection of the environment and ensuring the health and safety of the farmers, and the communities within the project area. AICCRA Ghana will carry out relevant sensitization and capacity building to ensure rigorous implementation of all material actions considered in this ESMP and other allied safeguard instruments. The AICCRA Ghana team will operationalize this ESMP as a living document with firm commitment to review, update, and redisclose it as and when project activities or 101 locations change. The Team will further provide biannual updates on implementation progress to the AICCRA program management unit and the World Bank. With this plan in place, the AICCRA Ghana hopes to carry out the CSA demonstrations in a manner that eliminates harm to people and the environment, whilst improving the overall sustainable outcomes of the AICCRA project. 102