WORK/ PROJECT: Desertification is very fast creeping into the northern sector of Ghana as a result of many environmental and socio-economic implication/factors. Among them are annual bush fires that occur during the dry the season which are usually caused by human and natural agents, (fire wood harvesting, charcoal burning, over grazing, bad agricultural practices etc.) In a bid to tackle this problem, the chief and his subjects, in consultation with the local authority (District Assembly) have, conscientiously agreed to continue with their tree planting project initiative-this time on a larger scale. Over 20 hectares woodlot/plantation is targeted to be planted within the next five years. It is envisaged that not less than 3 hectares will be covered with plantation development

The rationale behind this project is to combat the devastating effects of desertification and social impact of Climate Change on the lives of the people and the environment. Based on this, 5 hectares of the planted land will be reserved purposely for fuel wood production to address the energy needs of the community. However, the remaining portions will be reserved as plantation/forest to enhance the ecology and biodiversity of the entire area. Volunteers from all walks of life are expected to partake in this all-important project. The main activities shall include digging of holes, moving the seedlings from one place to the other and planting.
 
LOCATION:  Kumbungu is a town located in the Tolon-Kumbungu District in the Northern Region of Ghana. It is about 5 km from Tamale, the capital city of the region. The trunk road leading to the community is in very good condition. It is sometimes difficult to get direct transport from Accra hence it is advisable to board lorry from Accra to Tamale which is about 7 hours’ drive; then one can change over to another bus bound for Kumbungu. However, plans are far advanced in terms of transportation from Tamale to camp site on the day of arrival. It is envisaged that a bus shall be put at volunteers’ disposal throughout the camping period. The people are mostly farmers. The district has population of about 250,000. The festival celebrated in Dagbone area annually is Damaba (which has already been celebrated in this March) and Fire Festival which is celebrated in August

ACCOMODATION: Classroom block is reserved for volunteers. Beddings in the form of mattresses shall be provided. Food stuff and other ingredients shall be provided to volunteers to prepare their own meal daily. All volunteers are expected to assist in the meal preparation in turns so as to have a feel of how local dishes are prepared (a nice opportunity to learn some Ghanaian recipes). Distance from the camp site to the work site is a walking distance.

LANGUAGE: English shall be the official spoken language in the camp; but high proficiency is not necessary.
REMARKS: As the Kumbungu community is not far from the Regional capital, Tamale, most of the social amenities can easily be accessed. It is worthy to note that there are some tourist sites within 60km radius to visit during camping period. Notable among them are Mole Games Reserve, Witches Camps etc. Visits to these places have to be done in consultation with camp leadership.