The Committee Chair for the 7th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and the Gold in the Soil Awards, Francis Kwofie Adam, has called for renewed commitment and collaboration to empower and support women in agriculture.
Speaking at the official launch of Agrihouse Foundation’s 7th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards in Cape Coast, Central Region, Mr. Kwofie Adam, described the initiative as a fresh opportunity for growth and transformation for women in the agricultural value chain in the Central Region.
He emphasized that this year’s theme, “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development,” is both timely and significant particularly for the Central Region, which is well known for its rich agricultural heritage. From coconut farms along the coastline to cassava, maize, pineapple, and vegetable cultivation, agriculture remains a major source of livelihood for many families in the region. Women, he noted, play a critical role in sustaining this productivity.
Despite their essential contributions, he acknowledged that women in agriculture continue to face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, inadequate funding, poor road infrastructure, lack of farming machinery, and insufficient access to training and market opportunities. These persistent issues, he said, are among the main reasons why platforms like WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards are so vital.
By bringing this year’s event to the Central Region, Agrihouse Foundation hopes to ignite change, recognize the contributions of women farmers, and provide them with the tools and resources necessary for sustainable growth.
Mr. Kwofie Adam stressed that building a better and more inclusive future for women in agriculture requires a united effort. He called on government institutions, traditional leaders, agribusinesses, development partners, and community stakeholders to work together to create an enabling environment where women can lead and thrive in agribusiness.
He also advocated for stronger policy interventions that will enable women to access credit, own land, receive training in modern and climate-smart farming practices, and benefit from improved infrastructure and market systems. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting women-led agribusinesses as essential drivers of rural development and national food security.
Encouraging the women of the Central Region and beyond, Mr. Kwofie Adam urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities that will be provided at the 7th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and the Gold in the Soil Awards, to learn, connect, and grow. He challenged them to lead the transformation of their communities and position the region as a shining example of what women in agriculture can achieve when given the necessary support.
