Three Dimensional Solid Map Modelling For Land Use Planning in Governance,
Sustainable Agriculture-Natural Resource Management, Education, Flooding and Climate Change
VSO – Ghana
Ex Tee Crystal Hotel, Bolgatanga,
Upper East Region, Ghana
May 23-27, 2011
Prepared by Zarina Barena Marcado (VSO Volunteer-Bongo)
Rationale
The 5-day workshop on 3D Solid Map Modelling in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region was facilitated
through VSO Ghana as a result of the success chalked by VSO in the Northern Region where
Participatory 3 Dimensional model is serving as a major driving force in bringing the disadvantage to the
planning table. The 3D solid map model was introduced as a planning tool in response to the issue of
flooding which affected many farmers and community members. The milestone gained in Northern
Region paved way for the Regional Minister to formulate an executive order that all its district
assemblies take on 3D solid map model as a planning tool for their respective development issues and
programs. In this regard VSO Ghana saw this as an opportunity to promote this initiative as part of the
Secure Livelihoods Program. In the hope that it will also encourage the Regional Minister for Upper East
Region to see the endless possibilities that the 3D solid map model may contribute to the overall
planning process and somehow hasten the development process as well.
Summary of 5-day Workshop
The first day of the 5-day workshop started off with the registration of the participants. The formal
program started at 10 am with 24 participants mostly volunteers under the Secure Livelihoods Program
and Participation and Governance Program with some from the Regional Ministry of Food and
Agriculture and National Agency on Disaster Management Office. The opening address was done by
Gilbert Akolgo with VSO Secure Livelihoods Program. He talked about food security as a worldwide issue
which is made even worse with the issue on climate change and that the Upper East Region is one of the
most food insecure regions in Ghana. This was followed by the Inaugural speech made by Anna
Kulakiewicz a volunteer with ProNet in the Upper West. She talked about having heard of the 3D solid
map model in Tamale from another volunteer which got her very interested since this can facilitate her
work with ProNet which focuses on water and sanitation, education and governance. The introduction
of participants was made along with their expectations for the workshop. Overall, the participants
wanted to learn the use and relevance of the 3D solid map model in local governance whether in food
security issues and other related concerns as well to create and complete the actual 3D solid map model
of Upper East Region. Then Romeo Banaynal facilitated a short input on Dealing with Information and
shared his experience from the Philippines in creating 3D solid map model and enhancing the active
participation of community members and collaboration among stakeholders. This was followed by
Ernest Dwamena who discussed Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the actual work to be done. A discussion ensued
on what are the materials needed and where to get maps and related data as well as short discussion on
the Geographic Information System. In the afternoon the participants were divided into 5 groupings
where the actual tracing and cutting started. There were some maps provided where the contour lines
would be traced unto a cardboard for cutting. The first day ended with the groups doing the tracing and
cutting.
The second day continued with more tracing and cutting. At about 10 am Ibrahim Pegrouhna VSO
country director arrived. Work was cut short to have a formal program. This started with a recap from
Gabriel Osei from the National Volunteer Office. Then Romeo Banaynal gave a presentation on Land Use
Planning: Sustainable Agriculture/Natural Resource Management. The country director Ibrahim
Pegrouhna gave a short speech and this was followed by a lively discussion on how to fully utilize the 3D
solid map model and how to ensure its sustainability.
The third day entailed more tracing and cutting until the fourth day. On the fourth day the base map
was mounted wherein the different contour lines will be placed as well as those referred to as islands
which have been glued together. In the afternoon Romeo Banaynal gave a presentation on the Food
Security Outlook of Ghana and 3D Application in Food Security and Local Governance. There was a short
discussion with the participants before continuing the work. Most of the volunteers worked until
midnight even getting help from the volunteers who came to visit and were not workshop participants.
The core group with Romeo Banaynal and two national volunteers of the Ministry of Food and
Agriculture in Tamale namely Issifu Aziz and Inusah Sumaila stayed up until 4am.
The fifth day was the culmination of the workshop with the presentation of the 3D solid map model to
the Regional Minister of Upper East Region, District Chief Executives and Regional Ministry of Food and
Agriculture staffs along with invited media and non-government organizations. The 1-day workshop
presentation was facilitated by Ernest Dwamena and Director Joseph Faalhong from the Ministry of
Food and Agriculture Northern Region. The Regional Minister of Upper East Region gave the welcome
address. In behalf of the volunteer participants Hannah Curtis also gave a brief discussion as a summary
of what we did for the first four days and on what are the ways forward and how the volunteers can
contribute to this endeavor. This was followed by a series of presentations in relation to the application
of the 3D solid map model. Presentations on Climate Change, Rainfall Monitoring and Water and
Sanitation as well as initiatives of the National Agency for Disaster Management Office were facilitated.
Every presentation was followed by a short discussion. In the afternoon workshop groupings were done
to identify the challenging issues ahead for Ghana and possible solutions that can be undertaken. The
participants were divided into Participation and Governance, Secure Livelihoods and Disaster
Management & Emergency Prepareness. Each group reported their discussions. Then it was concluded
with a closing program where Gilbert Akolgo shared his gratitude for VSO to be given this chance to
present to the Regional Minister and Regional Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Olke Reemer on behalf
of the volunteers also shared her appreciation then the Regional Director of Upper East Ministry of Food
and Agriculture and lastly District Chief Executive of Talensi Nabdam in behalf of the Regional Minister.
Group photo followed with the 3D solid map model of Upper East Region.
Observations/Recommendations
1) Formation of logistics team with proper tasking and function before the workshop proper (i.e.
registration form, supplies and materials, photo documentation, documentation, workshop kit,
and finance related matters)
2) Host teams were not fully maximized and oftentimes did not perform at all
3) There should be a core group or team who is knowledgeable in GIS and map reading to do the
actual tracing.
4) Flowchart or diagram can be presented and have the venue set-up in that way so that there is a
system to follow in terms of cutting where the participants can be involved (maybe label tables
for those who are cutting 500, 550, 600,650 etc) and cut pieces will not easily get lost
5) I am not sure if 5 days is enough to conduct another similar workshop.
6) Team meetings at the end of the day and overall evaluation on the last day should be done.