How a Ghanaian village banned charcoal production — and stands firm against the pressure

Yaara stands as a lone, lush oasis in its part of Ghana. And yet, women in the town have to walk six miles every day to fetch water. Despite pressure from surrounding communities, Yaara has decided against cutting their trees to make a profit by producing charcoal. Why? They’re holding out hope they can bring their water access back. Community members, including Chief Nana Yaw Sumaa, the Queen Mother, and local farmers like Aisha Gbinda, share their insights on why they hope protecting the forest will do exactly that: help their rivers flow again. This episode was written and reported by Justin Fiacconi and hosted by Ivy Prosper. Find pictures of the people you hear from in this story at farmradio.org.  More about Nature Answers: Rural Stories from a Changing Planet at farmradio.org/natureanswersThis is a Farm Radio International podcast produced thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.