A transformative agricultural empowerment program has taken root in Lingbinsi, a rural community in the North East District of the Savannah Region, as Agrihouse Foundation, with support from AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation under the YEEFA Project, officially launched the Boost to Bloom initiative.
The program equipped women, youth, and persons with disabilities with practical agribusiness skills, focusing specifically on chili pepper production as a high-value cash crop.
More than 150 beneficiaries, including young people, women, and persons with disabilities, participated in the launch and underwent comprehensive training sessions covering the entire chili pepper production value chain from nursery preparation, seed selection, transplanting, and crop management, to pest control, harvesting, marketing, and post-harvest handling.
A major highlight of the training was the introduction of ‘Organic Bloom’, a new eco-friendly input product designed to sustainably boost yields and enhance soil health. In addition to farming techniques, participants were also trained in agribusiness development, market access strategies, and proper post-harvest storage practices.
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed her commitment to inclusive agricultural transformation:
“Through Boost to Bloom Project, we are forming agribusiness groups among women and creating new livelihood opportunities through chili pepper cultivation. We are not just offering training, we are providing tools, inputs, market access, and long-term support. This is about building real, sustainable businesses led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”
One unique component of the initiative is the guaranteed market access: Agrihouse Foundation has committed to buying back the chili pepper produce from the trainees for the next three years, ensuring income stability and sustainability. she added
Mr. Aaron Amartey, a technical trainer, remarked on the enthusiasm of the participants:
“This community is largely familiar with cereal farming, so the introduction of chili pepper is both exciting and promising. The response from the trainees has been overwhelming.”
Mr. Solomon, another facilitator, praised the hands-on learning approach:
“It was inspiring to see participants grasp the techniques so quickly. They left with both knowledge and confidence.”
participants were formally organized into the Lingbinsi Bloomers Network, a newly created agribusiness group focused on chili pepper farming. They received certificates of participation and starter packs, which included farm tools like cutlasses and inputs such as Organic Bloom to kickstart their production.
Participants shared words of appreciation and optimism. Tigua Victoria, a beneficiary, said:
“This training has changed how I see farming. I now have the skills to start something that can truly support my family.”
Sekinatu, another young participant, added:
“I now understand the process from nursery to harvest. I encourage other youth to join and take agribusiness seriously.”
As the Boost to Bloom Project begins its full implementation phase, the Lingbinsi Bloomers Network is set to become a model for community-driven agribusiness success in northern Ghana showcasing how inclusive agricultural empowerment can create jobs, boost incomes, and transform lives.
