World Vision Ghana's FMNR Revives Pottery, Improving Women's Livelihoods in Kassena Nankana
Story by: Francis Npong
The traditional art of pottery in Amutanga, a community in the Kassena Nankana West District of Ghana, was on the verge of disappearing, but with the help of World Vision Ghana's Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) initiative, this valuable craft has been revived, allowing local potters to preserve their skills and earn a sustainable income.
Women like Asah, who rely on wood and dry grasses to make pottery, have faced difficult times as local forests have dwindled.
“At one point, life became incredibly challenging because we had nothing to keep us occupied,” she shared. “Now, with branches, shrubs, and grasses accessible right nearby, I don’t have to travel far to gather the materials I need for my pottery.”
Years of uncontrolled bushfires, grazing, and unsustainable farming had severely depleted local forests and deprived artisans of vital resources.
The resulting scarcity deepened poverty, widened gender inequality, and made women and children increasingly vulnerable.
“The lack of resources affected our income, and even our children’s schooling and health,” Asah added.
To address these challenges, World Vision Ghana, with support from World Vision Germany, launched the FMNR for Seed project in the Amutanga community. FMNR promotes the natural regrowth of vegetation, providing a sustainable source of firewood and vital resources for local handicrafts.
“This project has helped the community tackle the consequences of decades of bushfires and deforestation, restoring essential forest cover,” explained Samuel Abasiba, FMNR4Seed Project Manager at World Vision Ghana.
The impact of the project has gone beyond pottery, with hundreds of farmers now adopting FMNR practices that have improved soil fertility, crop yields and household resilience.
This regrowth has helped to increase incomes, reduce poverty and ensure that local women can meet the education and health needs of their families.
Asah is one of the 8,000 beneficiaries of the FMNR 4 Seed Project, which is now active in 35 communities in Kassena Nankana West District.
The project aims to achieve sustainable food security and economic resilience by 2025 through integrated agroforestry practices that combine crop production and tree growth.
By restoring landscapes, increasing soil nutrients and protecting against erosion, FMNR is transforming lives in the Amutanga community and beyond.