Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership Course - Ghana

The Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership Course is a seven-month programme that comprises in-person training elements, as well as virtual sessions as follows:

• 7-month hybrid programme
• First face-to-face session for the course kick-off in Wenchi, Ghana.
• Second face-to-face session for conclusion and graduation in Aburi, Ghana
• 5 live Zoom sessions with experts
• Online platform for recorded materials and tasks
• Individual development plans coached by experts

The course follows a transformational leadership model, designed to equip participants to become effective change agents in the transition to agroecological food systems. It is a 7-month hybrid program, combining:

• Two face-to-face sessions (at the beginning and end of the course) in Ghana
• Five live online sessions with experts
• A digital platform for self-paced learning, assignments, and peer exchange
• Development of a personal Individual Leadership Plan (ILP) to apply course content in participants' real-life contexts
• A strong focus on participatory learning, networking, and reflection

Key topics include agroecological transitions, sustainable food systems, territorial markets, communication and facilitation, entrepreneurial leadership, and transformative policy engagement.

Tentative Course Schedule:

• Webinar 1 - October 2026 - Introductory online session 
• First Face-to-Face Session: 16-20 November 2026 (5 full training days) in Wenchi, Ghana 
• Webinar 2 - December 2026 
• Webinar 3 - January 2027 
• Webinar 4 - February 2027 
• Webinar 5 - March 2027 
• Second Face-to-Face Session - April 2027 (3 full days)- Graduation, Development Plans presentation, Peer-to-peer evaluation in Aburi, Ghana 

This training is for changemakers: community leaders, researchers, farmers, advisors, technicians, policy-makers, government officials and any person interested in developing and strengthening new skills and knowledge in agroecology for more inclusive and sustainable food systems.

This course is only open to applicants based in Ghana. Applicants from outside of the country will not be considered. 

Ideal candidates:

• Are engaged in community leadership, research, advisory work, or activism in agroecology
• Demonstrate commitment to participate fully in the course (including both face-to-face sessions and at least 80% of online content)
• Have support from their organisations, communities, or civil society networks
• Are ready to engage critically, reflectively, and collaboratively
• Will develop and implement a concrete Development Plan (DP)
• Show readiness to contribute to wider agroecological networks

The cohort is limited to 25 participants, with attention given to diversity in region, gender, and experience.

The full value of the course, which includes training, course materials, mentoring, and accommodation at the training venue, is €3,000 (approximately 39,600 GHS). 

A substantial part of the course cost is supported through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Schmidt Foundation. 

Participants are expected to contribute by covering:

• Their own travel expenses to and from the venue for the two face-to-face (F2F) modules:
  • Module 1: Wenchi, Ghana, 16-20 November 2026
  • Module 2: Aburi, Ghana, April 2027
• A contribution towards the course fee is 1,000 GHS 
• The development and implementation of an individual Development Plan during the course. 

Additional contributions are greatly appreciated, as they help support other changemakers who may require financial assistance and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent committed applicants from participating in the AOLC Ghana. 

Participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses. Accommodation and meals as well as course materials will be provided. No additional financial support can be granted. Participants must ensure that they have reliable internet access and appropriate technical equipment to fully engage in the online webinar sessions.