The Acting Managing Director for YARA Ghana, Kudjoe Agbenyega, passionately advocated for the empowerment of women in agriculture and the dismantling of entrenched socio-cultural barriers that hinder their progress in the agricultural value chain.
addressing Participants at the 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards, held at Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua, Eastern Region, organized by the Agrihouse Foundation.
The event aimed to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in agriculture and acknowledge the dedication, commitment, and resilience of women who have made invaluable contributions to the sector.
Mr. Agbenyega expressed immense pride in YARA Ghana’s collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to honor and uplift women in agriculture through the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil intervention.
Shedding light on the crucial topic, “Changing the Entrenched Socio-Cultural Norms and Breaking Traditional Barriers Critical to the Development of Agriwomen in the Agricultural Value Chain,” Mr. Agbenyega recognized the historical significance of women in agriculture as the backbone of societies, emphasizing their pivotal role in providing sustenance and driving economic growth.
Despite their significant contributions, Mr. Agbenyega candidly acknowledged that women in agriculture have long encountered discrimination and barriers that hinder their full potential. He passionately called for addressing prevailing stereotypes and biases that unjustly limit women’s participation in the sector.
“Let us strive to create an inclusive environment where women have equal opportunities to access credit, technology, and training,” Mr. Agbenyega emphasized, advocating for empowering women to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and drive innovation in agriculture.
He further underscored the importance of breaking traditional barriers that restrict women’s roles to specific tasks within the agricultural value chain. He boldly stated, “Women are not just laborers; they are decision-makers, leaders, and agents of change,” urging the creation of avenues for women to take on leadership roles in farming cooperatives, agricultural associations, and research institutions.
Education and awareness emerged as critical components in the transformative journey. Mr. Agbenyega highlighted the significance of educating communities about gender equality and women’s rights in agriculture. He passionately encouraged engaging men, families, and local leaders in changing mindsets and fostering supportive environments that allow agriwomen to thrive.
Emphasizing the need to embrace technology, Mr. Agbenyega pointed out that access to modern farming techniques, digital tools, and information networks can significantly enhance the productivity and efficiency of agriwomen. He added that technology can unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity, transcending geographical limitations and broadening market access.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Kudjoe Agbenyega passionately asserted that changing entrenched socio-cultural norms and breaking traditional barriers is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. “Empowering agriwomen in the agricultural value chain will drive rural development and contribute to global food security,” he proclaimed, calling for concrete actions to support and invest in agriwomen.
BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER
