Leaders in Africa’s agricultural sector have called for increased support for women in the food and agricultural sector to help improve food security and livelihoods. Speaking at an event in Accra to mark International Women’s Day organized by AGRA and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), they challenged governments and other stakeholders to see support for women as a collective investment in securing the future of the African continent.
“Since 63% of actors in the agricultural value chain are women, it is important that we avert our minds to championing the challenges of entrepreneurship, capital, structural and institutional hinderances that are militating against women participation in the agri-food value chain,” Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, chairman of Parliament’s Food and Agricultural Committee told the event. “Let’s create market driven support for entrepreneurship. Let’s be deliberate with how we create markets for our produce,” he added.
Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa for the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Abebe Haile-Gabriel said there is need for “targeted financial products, capacity building, and mentorship programs tailored to the needs of women led agribusinesses.” He also called for the strengthening of trade policies that facilitate the participation of women in national, regional and international trade.
“Together let us continue to champion policies, partnerships and investments that empower women, unleashing their full potential as catalysts towards a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood system transformation,” he added
Some government officials were also present at the event. MP for Awutu Senya West and Deputy Minister Designate for Works and Housing Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui observed women are “toiling each day to make ends meet for their families,” and there is the urgent need for them to get enhanced support. Member of Parliament for Tempane and Minister of State for Public Sector Reform Lydia Akanvariba assured of government’s commitment to enhancing women participation in the country’s leadership. “We will ensure we have 30% of women in every level of the public service,” she said.
This AGRA – FAO event under auspices of the Ministries of Gender, Children, and Social Protection; Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; and Food and Agriculture, sought to highlight the transformative role of women in driving intra-African trade and economic development. It was under the theme; “Empowering Women, Transforming Trade: Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential”
AGRA President Alice Ruhweza told the event although 63% of women are involved in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, and women are responsible for 60 to 80 percent of food production in Africa, only get 10% of the revenue from the sector gets to them. “And they are not at the table when decisions are being made. Today on women’s day, it’s time to make sure that women are at the decision making table,” she said.
“I call on leaders across the world to address the issue of insecure land tenure. We need to ensure that women have land rights and access to tenure. We need to make sure women are at the table when issues of agriculture and agricultural policy are being made. We need to make sure that the income disparity between men and women working in the agricultural sector are addressed,” she added.
AGRA Ghana country director Dr. Betty Annan said women are important players in Africa’s food systems, and investing in them will have broad rippling positive effects. “Women are not just beneficiaries of Africa’s agricultural transformation; they are its architects. When we invest in them, we secure Africa’s food future,” she said.
CEO of Rockland Farms Edith Akosah Wheatland said women in the agricultural sector face numerous challenges, particularly access to finance and capital which stakeholders need to address urgently. Director, Women in Agricultural Development at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Paulina Addy said the ministry has collaborated with various institutions including the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) to expand financing to women. She however added local models of agricultural financing are also growing. “Home grown village savings and loans is something that is going on across the country. There is the trust elements that have been built. Scaling these projects up is the next level,” she said.
Director of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah disclosed a national steering committee has been established to help ensure the inclusion of women, youth and persons with disability in various agricultural initiatives to ensure sustainable food systems.
The meeting also discussed how to improve access to markets and connect women farmers and agri-businesses to local, regional, and international markets, with representatives of various security agencies participating in discussions. Dr. Tsotetsi Makong of the Gender Unit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) said the agreement presents a unique opportunity to unlock this potential and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans.
The event was also used to launch the 2025 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) which is organized annually by AGRA. Director for Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness at AGRA, Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah disclosed that the award seeks to celebrate, empower and inspire women leaders in agribusiness. Various categories to be competed for include Female AgTech Innovator, Young Female Agripreneur, Resilient and Inspirational Leader, Women Empowerment Champion and Outstanding Value Adding Enterprise. The ultimate winner will walk away with $40,000 prize money.
