Every dry season, fires sweep across Ghana’s savannah landscapes—scorching farmlands, destroying forests, and threatening food security. But what if the very communities affected by wildfires hold the key to stopping them?
In this powerful radio feature, which is part of the YenKasa Africa Radio Initiative, Radio Savannah, broadcasting in Gurune, shines a spotlight on wildfire management as a vital path to sustainable agriculture.
Through voices from the ground—farmers, women entrepreneurs, and traditional leaders—this programme explores local solutions that are not only curbing wildfires but also restoring livelihoods and landscapes across Northern Ghana.
Community-Based Fire Management: Protecting What Matters
One of the most effective strategies being rolled out is community-based fire management. Local volunteers are being trained to monitor and control fires, create firebreaks, and sensitize their neighbors about the risks of uncontrolled burning.
Listeners hear from fire squads who now act as first responders, taking back control of their land. These programs are not just protecting the environment—they’re building a culture of ownership, vigilance, and resilience among community members.
Grass Charcoal: A Game-Changing Innovation
What if the grasses that fuel wildfires could become part of the solution?
That’s exactly what’s happening through the grass charcoal initiative, a breakthrough innovation led by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS) with support from FAO’s FFF. Instead of cutting trees for charcoal, local producers are turning fast-growing savannah grasses into clean-burning briquettes.
This not only reduces the fuel load that feeds wildfires—it also addresses deforestation and offers an alternative energy source that is affordable, accessible, and sustainable.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
At the heart of this innovation are women. Equipped with training in briquette production, harvesting techniques, and marketing, women have taken center stage in this new green economy. The result? More income, stronger voices, and healthier forests.
This transformation goes beyond technology. It’s about restoring dignity and giving rural women tools to lead and uplift their communities—all while protecting the land.
Rural Voices Leading the Way
The programme also highlights the crucial role of traditional authorities and local institutions. From community by-laws to seasonal training, chiefs and elders are mobilizing their people, promoting fire awareness, and leading collective action.
Broadcast in the local language, Gurune, the episode ensures that rural communities are not just listeners—but active participants in the conversation.
Guiding Questions
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What are the causes and effects of wildfires in Northern Ghana?
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How are communities preventing and managing wildfires?
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In what ways is innovation helping reduce fire risks?
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What roles do women and traditional leaders play in these efforts?