Alternative Livelihood Programs

Sustainable economic opportunities for communities affected by environmental degradation

Creating Sustainable Futures

The Alternative Livelihood Programs initiative provides sustainable economic opportunities for communities affected by galamsey and environmental degradation. Our programs focus on building long-term, environmentally-friendly income sources that restore dignity and economic stability to affected communities.

12,500

Program Participants

8,200

Jobs Created

$3.2M

Annual Income Generated

85

Communities Served

Aquaculture & Fish Farming

Comprehensive training in sustainable fish farming, pond management, and value-added fish processing for communities affected by water pollution.

3200 Participants
GHS 1,800/month
6 months training + 12 months support

Key Components:

  • Tilapia and catfish farming techniques
  • Pond construction and management
  • Fish processing and smoking
  • Aquaponics systems integration
  • Market linkages and cooperative formation

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
180%
Skills Development
92%
Sustainability
88%

Organic Agriculture & Agroforestry

Modern farming techniques combining food production with forest restoration, creating sustainable income while healing degraded lands.

2800 Participants
GHS 1,600/month
4 months training + 18 months support

Key Components:

  • Organic vegetable cultivation
  • Fruit tree planting (cocoa, citrus, avocado)
  • Agroforestry systems design
  • Composting and natural fertilizers
  • Organic certification pathways

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
165%
Skills Development
88%
Sustainability
95%

Renewable Energy Installation

Technical training in solar panel installation, biogas systems, and renewable energy maintenance, creating green jobs for mining communities.

1500 Participants
GHS 2,200/month
8 months training + certification

Key Components:

  • Solar PV system installation
  • Biogas digester construction
  • Energy efficiency auditing
  • Electrical safety and maintenance
  • Business development for energy services

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
220%
Skills Development
95%
Sustainability
92%

Beekeeping & Honey Production

Forest-friendly beekeeping that provides income while promoting forest regeneration through pollination services.

1200 Participants
GHS 1,400/month
3 months training + 12 months support

Key Components:

  • Modern beehive management
  • Honey harvesting and processing
  • Beeswax product development
  • Pollination services for farmers
  • Cooperative marketing

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
155%
Skills Development
85%
Sustainability
98%

Crafts & Textile Production

Traditional and modern crafts training including batik, pottery, basket weaving, and textile production for local and export markets.

1800 Participants
GHS 1,300/month
4 months training + market linkages

Key Components:

  • Batik and tie-dye techniques
  • Pottery and ceramic production
  • Traditional basket weaving
  • Soap and cosmetics making
  • Online marketing and e-commerce

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
145%
Skills Development
80%
Sustainability
75%

Digital Skills & Technology

ICT training including web development, digital marketing, graphic design, and e-commerce for the digital economy.

1200 Participants
GHS 2,500/month
6 months intensive training + internship

Key Components:

  • Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Digital marketing and social media
  • Graphic design and branding
  • Mobile app development basics
  • Freelancing and remote work skills

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
250%
Skills Development
98%
Sustainability
85%

Eco-Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism and hospitality training focused on eco-lodges, cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism enterprises in recovered areas.

2000 Participants
GHS 1,700/month
5 months training + placement

Key Components:

  • Eco-lodge management
  • Tour guiding and interpretation
  • Culinary arts and local cuisine
  • Cultural performance and crafts
  • Sustainable tourism practices

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
170%
Skills Development
87%
Sustainability
90%

Mushroom Cultivation

High-value mushroom farming using agricultural waste, providing quick income returns with minimal land requirements.

800 Participants
GHS 1,500/month
2 months training + 6 months support

Key Components:

  • Oyster mushroom cultivation
  • Substrate preparation techniques
  • Climate control and humidity management
  • Harvesting and packaging
  • Market access and pricing

Impact Metrics:

Income Increase
160%
Skills Development
82%
Sustainability
85%

Success Stories

"After years of illegal mining, I thought there was no future for my family. The aquaculture program gave me hope and a sustainable income. Now I'm training others in fish farming."

Kwame Mensah Former Galamsey Worker, Now Fish Farmer Birim River Basin
180% income increase

"The beekeeping cooperative transformed our community. We now produce organic honey for export, and our forest is recovering. It's a win-win for nature and people."

Akosua Boateng Beekeeping Cooperative Leader Western Region
45 families employed

"Solar panel installation training gave me technical skills and a career path. I now install renewable energy systems across the region and train young people."

Yaw Osei Certified Solar Technician Ashanti Region
Trained 120 technicians

Program Categories

Aquaculture & Fishing

Sustainable fish farming, pond management, and value-added fish processing

  • Tilapia farming
  • Catfish production
  • Fish smoking & processing
  • Aquaponics systems
3 Programs Available →

Agriculture & Farming

Modern farming techniques, organic agriculture, and agro-processing

  • Organic vegetable farming
  • Fruit tree cultivation
  • Agroforestry
  • Food processing
5 Programs Available →

Renewable Energy

Solar installation, biogas production, and green technology services

  • Solar panel installation
  • Biogas systems
  • Energy efficiency consulting
  • Maintenance services
4 Programs Available →

Crafts & Manufacturing

Traditional crafts, textile production, and value-added manufacturing

  • Batik & tie-dye
  • Pottery & ceramics
  • Basket weaving
  • Soap making
6 Programs Available →

Digital Skills & Tech

ICT training, digital marketing, and technology-based services

  • Web development
  • Digital marketing
  • Graphic design
  • E-commerce
4 Programs Available →

Tourism & Hospitality

Eco-tourism, hospitality services, and cultural tourism development

  • Eco-lodge management
  • Tour guiding
  • Culinary arts
  • Cultural performances
3 Programs Available →

Funding & Support Available

Startup Grants

Up to GHS 15,000 for equipment and initial capital

Free Training

Comprehensive skills training and certification

Mentorship

One-on-one guidance from successful entrepreneurs

Cooperative Support

Join or form cooperatives for bulk buying and marketing

How to Join a Program

1

Assessment

Complete eligibility assessment and identify your interests

2

Application

Submit application with required documents

3

Training

Complete training program and earn certification

4

Launch

Receive startup support and begin your new livelihood

Program Impact Dashboard

Participants by Program Type

Income Growth Over Time

Geographic Distribution

Gender Distribution

Implementation Partners