Fumesua, Ghana – As part of its mission to combat climate change through sustainable agricultural innovation, the Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) Project has successfully conducted a Data Collection Training on Maize-based Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) Reduction Validation Trials. Hosted at the Multicultural Technology Park in Fumesua, the training empowered participants with advanced skills in data collection for maize production systems aimed at mitigating SLCP emissions such as nitrous oxide and black carbon.

A Key Step in Climate Action
Funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the ACE4ES project is at the forefront of integrating agroecology and circular economy principles into agricultural practices across sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative focuses on reducing SLCP emissions in agriculture, which significantly contribute to global warming and environmental degradation.
“The support from CCAC of UNEP enables us to validate innovative climate-smart technologies while addressing critical capacity gaps in sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, Project Lead for ACE4ES.
Empowering Researchers, Youth, and Students
The training drew a diverse group of participants, including:
Graduate students from leading institutions such as KNUST and AAMUSTED, including Ameyaw Frederick (MPhil Agronomy) and Habbibah Aggrey (PhD Crop Science).
Eight technicians and 22 national service personnel, representing the next generation of agricultural scientists and practitioners.
Led by Dr. Eric Owusu Danquah, with support from Dr. Felix Frimpong and Dr. Priscilla Ribeiro, the training equipped participants with essential skills in data collection methodologies critical for validating SLCP reduction technologies in maize production.
Capacity Building for a Sustainable Future
The program underscores the ACE4ES project’s commitment to research and capacity development:
Participants gained practical experience in monitoring emissions, measuring impacts, and assessing the effectiveness of climate-smart interventions.
The inclusion of young professionals and students ensures the sustainability of the project’s outcomes by building a pipeline of skilled experts.
The data collected during these trials will inform policy recommendations and guide scalable solutions for climate-resilient agriculture.
“Training events like these are pivotal to achieving our dual goals of environmental sustainability and capacity development,” said Dr. Eric Owusu Danquah, the lead trainer. “By engaging youth and students, we are not only validating innovative technologies but also nurturing the future leaders of sustainable agriculture.”
A Collaborative Vision
The Multicultural Technology Park, established as part of the ACE4ES project, serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration. With support from CCAC of UNEP, the park is driving the adoption of agroecology and circular economy principles across Africa. Its research and training activities align with global efforts to mitigate climate change while improving food security and livelihoods.
A Call to Collaboration
The ACE4ES project welcomes partnerships with stakeholders across academia, government, and the private sector to scale its impact. For more information on upcoming initiatives or to support the project’s activities, contact info@ace4es.org or asante.kwaku@gmail.com
Stay connected with the ACE4ES project by following #ACE4ES #ClimateAction #YouthInAgriculture.