Our success stories, such as climate-smart farms, highlight how collaboration and empathy can lead to remarkable, sustainable outcomes, GCIC Executive Director, Ruka Sanusi explains.
In the intricate tapestry of leadership, collaboration and empathy are the golden threads that bind and strengthen the fabric of our shared endeavours. And whether you take the view that the world is increasingly interconnected – or increasingly fractured – the ability to work together and understand one another’s experiences is not just a nicety, but a compelling necessity. This is especially true in addressing global challenges such as climate change, where the stakes couldn’t be higher, yet the solutions are incredibly complex.
At the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), we’re firm believers in the transformative power of collaboration and empathy; principles that underpin everything we do. Why? Because as numerous studies suggest: they work. Research from Deloitte indicates that organisations with inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet or exceed their financial targets[1]; while a study by The Institute for Corporate Productivity and Babson College found that companies promoting collaborative work environments were five times more likely to be high performing.[2]
Accordingly, our approach is not merely about delivering solutions but about fostering partnerships where every voice is heard, every experience valued, and every effort harmonised towards a common goal. And this philosophy is reflected in our next project, GCIC 3.0, designed to drive impactful change through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable practices.
In this area of climate change particularly, collaboration is key. At GCIC, we understand the challenges Ghana faces – because we live them. We may not always have the financial resources to deliver large-scale solutions, but we have an intimate knowledge of the existing problems and a collaborative spirit that invites others to join us in finding solutions. In our certain experience, donors and partners actively look for organisations that can leverage their diverse strengths to achieve greater outcomes, and such an approach can transform partnerships from mere financial transactions into dynamic, learning experiences in which we grow and achieve together.
Accessibility is key
One powerful example of this is our work with smallholder farmers, who play a crucial role in feeding us. Many of these farmers face barriers, such as language differences and varying levels of education, that prevent them from fully participating in traditional incubation programs, which unfortunately can often be somewhat elitist and exclusive.
In May 2024, we began collaborating with Farmerline, an AgriTech firm, which has already reached some 2.2 million farmers through more than 3,000 partners across 48 countries. Working in conjunction, we have made our programs accessible to these essential members of the community, developing ways to provide them with financial support and help them transition to more climate-smart agricultural practices. By translating business management training into practical, understandable formats and languages they can understand, we aim to help some 12,000 farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices across West Africa.
Already, these farmers are doing remarkable work. Indeed, we have set up demonstration farms across Ghana, where farmers are using climate-smart practices to grow soybeans, alongside traditional methods. By seeing firsthand the difference in their crop yields and quality, farmers are far more likely to adopt these sustainable practices. Additionally, our partnership with Farmerline can provide low-interest credit to help them fully embrace these new techniques.
Success stories such as these demonstrate that empathy and collaboration lead to impactful and sustainable outcomes. And we know that when donors see that their contributions are part of a holistic, inclusive process, they’re more likely to engage and invest. They’re not just funding a project; they’re joining a movement that respects local knowledge and prioritises mutual growth.
Better together
All our partnerships are testament to this collaborative spirit: since 2016, GCIC, an institute of Ashesi University, has incubated more than 170 businesses with funding from the World Bank and Global Affairs Canada, and despite the rigid structures often associated with donor programs, we were able to present a compelling business case to the latter that highlighted the importance of addressing food security and women’s empowerment. Their willingness to adapt and support our initiative speaks volumes about the potential of empathetic and flexible partnerships.
This collaborative approach extends to our interactions with other development partners too. We engage in continuous dialogue, ensuring our goals align with broader development objectives while remaining responsive to the needs of our local communities. By fostering such relationships, we not only secure funding but also create a network of support that only enhances our impact.
At GCIC, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but know there’s always more to be done. As we move forward, we invite others to join us in this journey. Let us work together, learn from each other, and grow together. Collaboration and empathy are not just the keys to effective leadership; they are the foundation of a better, more sustainable world. www.farmerline.co
Reference
[1] https://www2.deloitte.com/xe/en/insights/focus/cio-insider-business-insights/perspectives-on-gender-diversity-and-inclusion.html#:~:text=Organizations%20with%20inclusive%20cultures%20are,to%20achieve%20better%20business%20outcomes.
[2] https://robinpowered.com/blog/the-science-behind-office-collaboration#:~:text=Companies%20that%20actively%20work%20to,Corporate%20Productivity%20and%20Babson%20College.
