Meet Susana Nkansah, a 42-year-old farmer and processor from Nsukwaw railways in the Eastern Region, whose journey in agriculture has transformed her from a smallholder to a successful and impactful figure in her community.
Susana’s agricultural journey began as a response to the pressing issue of food scarcity that plagued her community. Starting as a smallholder farmer, she gradually expanded her operations, now running a thriving enterprise. Her dedication and hard work have led to significant growth and success.
Currently, Susana owns 25 acres , plantain, pineapples, watermelon, maize, carrots, green pepper, spring onions, cabbage and maize farm and a food processor, She employs four permanent workers on her farm, contributing to the local economy and providing sustainable livelihoods. In addition to creating jobs on her own farm, she has also extended opportunities to the youth in her community. By providing them with the fruits she cultivates on credit, she enables them to sell the produce and generate income.
However, Susana faces several challenges in her pursuit of expanding her farming enterprise and employing more youth in her community. The scarcity and high cost of fertilizers hinder her crop productivity. The lack of irrigation pipes and PVC pipes further exacerbates the difficulty in ensuring consistent water supply for her crops, limiting her ability to maximize yields.
Despite these challenges, Susana remains determined and optimistic about the future. She is actively seeking assistance and financial support to overcome these obstacles and expand her operations further. Her ultimate goal is to employ more youth in her community, providing them with sustainable income-generating opportunities and contributing to the overall development of the region.
Susana’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of agriculture and the impact that a single individual can have on their community. Through her dedication, she has not only improved her own livelihood but also created opportunities for others, particularly the youth, empowering them to become self-reliant and economically independent.
Recognizing the importance of youth empowerment in the agricultural sector, Susana appeals to stakeholders, organizations, and individuals to support her vision of expanding her farming enterprise. With the necessary assistance, she believes that she can overcome her challenges and make an even greater impact on her community.
As Susana Nkansah continues her journey, her determination, resilience, and commitment to youth empowerment are sure to inspire others. Her story is a testament to the potential of agriculture as a catalyst for change and highlights the pressing need for support and investment in small-scale farmers like her.
Agrihouse Foundation’s production team is presently embarking on a journey across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region,their mission is to document the remarkable achievements of 62 nominated women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region, Shortlisted for the upcoming 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards an annual regional and rotational intervention organized and implemented by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with Global Affairs Canada.
Their efforts aims to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women inshaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada has for the past five years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s production team,other key partners for this year’s 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil awards also includes Yara Ghana , RDF Ghana LBG and World Food Program.
Travelling from district to district, Agrihouse Production team captured the story of Susana Nkansah who for the past 18 years, have dedicated herself to farming, driven by the scarcity of food in her region and a desire to make a difference.
With the right resources and financial backing, Susana envisions a future where her farm thrives, employment opportunities multiply, and her community flourishes. It is a vision that speaks not only to the power of agriculture but also to the potential of individuals like Susana to drive positive change and create a better future for all.
The upcoming WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, is scheduled for July 26-27 at Bedtime Hotel,Koforidua in the Eastern Region under the theme “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS,” promise to be a momentous occasion. These events will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and women farmers and farmers with disability to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
ABOUT WOFAGRIC AND GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS: Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that strengthens and promotes a paradigm shift in celebrating women farmers, processors, marketers, and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts of women in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, technology, and input dealers. Every year, the event moves from region to region, searching for these extraordinary women who play a significant role in putting food on our tables. Regardless of their abilities, they are thriving to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.
BY: AGRIWATCH REPORTER
