In the context of its efforts for the improvement of the livelihoods of inhabitants around protected areas, the Wildlife Division has set up a partnership since 2008 in Kakum National Park and Assin Attandanso Reserve with Microsfere, an NGO aiming at combining rural development and biodiversity conservation, through the use of microfinance and other accompanying measures. 

This common project is currently being implemented in 6 communities in the north and the west of the park. About 240 people were targeted in the first year of the project, and 300 in the second year. The participants receive average loans of about 125 GHC to invest in activities such as petty trading and agriculture. In parallel, they receive training in loan management, business skills and technical training, in order to improve the performance of their economic activities. 

To learn more about Microsfere and our common project, visit the webpage www.microsfere.org