German Development Cooperation and VREL Launch Project to Transform Invasive Waterweed into Organic Compost for Climate-Smart Farming
Accra, 18th June 2025: The German Development Cooperation and the Volta River Estates Limited (VREL) have launched an innovative environmental and agricultural initiative to convert invasive waterweed from the Volta River into high-quality organic compost to support sustainable and climate-smart farming across local communities in the Volta Region.
The project titled “Waterweed to Value: Organic Compost Production from Invasive Waterweed in the Volta Region” seeks to tackle the dual challenges of aquatic weed infestation and declining soil fertility. This project is in partnership with the Volta River Estates Limited (VREL) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in collaboration with local authorities, farming cooperatives and environmental experts. It is co-funded by VREL and GIZ through the develoPPP programme on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Invasive waterweed in the Volta River has long disrupted aquatic ecosystems, hindered fishing and farming activities, aquaculture and affected water transport. The waterweeds also pose health hazards to the communities along the Volta Basin, spreading diseases like Bilharzia. The Waterweed to Value project will harvest and process the invasive weeds into nutrient-rich compost. This will serve as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers which have devastating impact like soil degradation with attending consequence on food production.
The project will also set up a compost production and demonstration plant at VREL. This will serve as a training centre with sessions offered to the wider public. There will be awareness raising activities on sustainable soil management to bring farmers up to speed on the importance of using organic compost instead of chemical fertilizers. Through the establishment of demonstration plots at various surrounding farmlands, farmers will be equipped to apply and produce their own compost from either the waterweed or from different organic matter.
The Team Lead for develoPPP Ghana, Iris Hammerschick told participants at the launch, “This project is an example of how innovative thinking can turn problems into opportunities. Removing destructive weeds and transforming them into farming input means we are protecting waterways while helping farmers adapt to climate change. And this will improve livelihoods.” The Managing Director of Volta River Estates Limited, Anthony Blay also noted, “By turning an environmental problem into a valuable agricultural resource, we are not just restoring the health of the Volta River, but we are also empowering local farmers with affordable organic inputs that will improve soil fertility, water retention and crop yields.”
The Waterweed to Value project will benefit over four hundred smallholder farmers across the Volta Region by enhancing soil health, reviving water quality, and reducing dependence on imported chemical fertilizers.
About develoPPP
develoPPP is a funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is aimed at companies that want to invest sustainably in a developing or emerging country and expand their local operations. Prerequisites for support are a long-term business interest in the country and a sustainable developmental benefit for the local people. With develoPPP Classic and develoPPP Ventures, the programme offers customised funding opportunities for already well-established enterprises as well as aspiring start-ups. develoPPP is implemented by two experienced partners in German development cooperation: DEG Impulse GmbH and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. For more, visit www.develoPPP.de
About Volta River Estates Limited
Established in 1988, VREL is Ghana's first commercial banana producer, operating five plantations across 400 hectares in Ghana, employing 760 individuals out of which 21% are women. Environmental sustainability is a core principle, with consistent adherence to EPA requirements, 50-meter buffer zones between farms and water bodies, and zero tillage methods to minimize soil disruptions. VREL has produced compost for its farms for two decades and installed solar energy facilities at three plantations for green power. The company holds significant international certifications, including Fair Trade, Global GAP, Rainforest Alliance, LEAF, and SMETA, demonstrating its commitment to quality, sustainability, promoting ethical business practices and occupational health and safety. For more information, visit Home - Volta River Estates Ltd