Solidaridad, a non-profit organisation that supports the sustainable development of farmers and production systems in West Africa, has organised an outreach programme for its farmers at Kade in the Eastern Region.

It explained to the farmers about its Sustainable West Africa oil Palm Programme (SWAPP), aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of small to medium enterprises, farms and mills in the oil palm sector.

Korsi Yankey, Consultant at Solidaridad said it has also introduced a SWAPP incubator with the aim of providing incubation support to help grow businesses and accelerate the development of a larger and more productive oil palm sector in West Africa.

She said the incubator would also help create opportunities for innovation, and develop and sustain an enabling environment with greater impact for oil palm sector.

She said since its launch in June 2014, € 265,314 had been invested in five companies with four more others in the pipeline.

She said through the SWAPP Incubator, Solidaridad would continue to provide financial support to farmers in the oil palm sector.

Mr Yaw Owusu Antwi, a farmer and Chief Executive officer of Joe Farms commended Solidaridad for introducing best farmer management practice, which is helping in the expansion of the oil plantation farms.

He expressed joy over the decision by Solidaridad to move from its office in Accra to visit farmers in their farms to know their challenges and address them.

Mr Owusu urged palm oil farmers to join the SWAPP incubator project to ease the difficulties they go through.

Mr Delle Kpebesaan, Regional Manager of Solidaridad called on palm oil farmers to strive to discuss their challenges as its officials are ever ready to provide them with technical support.