From School Gardens to National Impact – The Rise of the KIC School Farm Competition

What began simply as a learning activity—providing inputs, mentorship, and guidance to students to spark their interest in agriculture—has evolved into something far more powerful than we imagined. The KIC School Farm Competition, originally inherited from the Blue Skies Foundation, has since been expanded and strengthened to reach even more schools across the country.

The competition, which initially aimed to reshape mindsets and build passion for agriculture, has now become a catalyst for real change. School farms are supporting canteens with fresh produce, generating income for campus renovations, helping schools acquire ICT equipment, and inspiring students to pursue agriculture at the tertiary level. Students are also transferring knowledge to their families and communities, strengthening climate-smart farming practices beyond the classroom.

This year, the impact of the KIC School Farm Competition received national recognition at the 2025 National Farmers’ Day Celebration, an acknowledgment that affirms the relevance and consistency of the initiative. KIC remains committed to the purpose that brought us this far and to deepening this impact nationwide.

FROM SCHOOL GARDENS TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION

We are also encouraged by the call from His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for all schools to adopt this model. KIC stands ready to work with government and partners who believe in this vision, because food security is essential for national sovereignty—especially in the era of climate change.

National Farmers’ Day Awardees – KIC School Farm Competition

North East Region

• Sakogu R/C JHS – East Mamprusi (Regional Award)• Walewale SHTS – West Mamprusi (Regional Award)• Prima Primary School – Mamprugu Moaduri (Regional Award)• Zobzia Primary – East Mamprusi (District Award)• Gambaga Girls SHTS – East Mamprusi (District Award)• Sakogu R/C JHS – East Mamprusi (District Award)• Namong Primary – East Mamprusi (District Award)• Prima Primary – Mamprugu Moaduri (Regional & District Award – North East)

Northern Region

• Abatey JHS – Yendi (District Award)• E/A JHS – Bimbilla (District Award)• Greater Heights – Sagnarigu (District Award)• Gbulahagu JHS – Tolon (District Award)• Al-Elman JHS – Bimbilla (District Award)• Savelugu School for the Deaf – Savelugu (District Award)• Savelugu SHS – Savelugu (District Award)

Upper West Region

• Al-Azhar Islamic JHS – Wa Municipal (Municipal Best JHS)• Goripie T.I. Ahmadiyya JHS – Wa East (District Award)

Upper East Region

• Chiana SHS – Kasena Nankana (District Award)• Navrongo SHS – Navrongo (District Award)• Our Lady of Lourdes Girls SHS – Navrongo (Regional Award)

Savanna Region

• Sawla SHS – Sawla-Tuna-Kalba (Regional Award)• Sawla Girls TVET SHS – Sawla-Tuna-Kalba (District Award)• Busunu St. Peters JHS – West Gonja (Municipal Best JHS)• Salaga Local Prison – East Gonja (Best Security Farmers – Municipal)

Special recognition also goes to our National Best Youth Farmer, Robben Asare, a KIC Fellow whose journey continue to demonstrate the enormous opportunities agriculture holds for young people.

Congratulations once again to all the winners. We look forward to even greater impact in the years ahead.