5th WOFAGRIC & Gold in the Soil Awards Opens Today in Koforidua

Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, World Food Programme, YARA Ghana, RDF Ghana LBG open the 5^th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards today,Wednesday 26th july to Thursday 27th july .

 

This year, the two-part event is taking place at the Bedtime Hotel in the Eastern Region, Koforidua, on the theme, “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS.”

The 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards symbolize a pivotal moment in the advancement of women farmers and women with disabilities in Ghana. Through recognition, education, and collaboration, the event aims to break down barriers, promote gender equality, and create a more inclusive agricultural sector that harnesses the potential of all individuals.

Annually, the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards moves from region to region, with the aim of empowering and celebrating the exceptional efforts of women in agriculture across the Regions.

In the past four (4) years, the Interventional Event  has been held in the Volta Region, Ashanti Region, Upper East and West Regions. While the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum has developed and strengthened the capacities of over 5000 women in Agribusiness, by exposing them to more innovative approaches of handling their agribusinesses; the Gold in the Soil Awards has received about 1000 entries, and awarded more than 70 women across the entire agricultural value chain under the various categories.

The event now in its fifth year, brings together stakeholders in government, policy and administration, development-partner organisations, Research, FBOs, Agric institutions, and resource persons, who support in the capacity building, training and mentorship sessions. The trainers and mentors empower the women with business knowledge and industry innovations, to help women excel in the sector.

Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, has noted that this year’s event will build the capacity of our women farmers and farmers with disabilities and equally celebrate their successes, challenges, highs and lows.

This year nominations for the Gold in the Soil Awards focused on attracting women farmers, women-led agribusinesses and women farmers with disabilities, especially from the Eastern Region, whiles guiding the priorities for the future of women farmers.

Day one of the two-part event makes the most of positive and highly impactful activities including a Panel Discussion, dedicated to how we can further empower, the woman farmer and women farmers with disability. There will be technical field demonstrations, on appropriate use and application of equipment, one-on-one mentorships, empowerment talks, case study presentations, on modules and practices, that have worked, and how beneficial, they are, or can be for women farmers.

The “10-to-1”, Breakout session, will offer our women farmers a hands-on educational opportunity; from learning about farm safety, to learning about financial management, nutrition, markets, exports and investments, among others.

On Day 2, the event continues with mentorship sessions, and climaxes with the “GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS”., where 15 women farmers will be recognized and awarded, within 15 different categories.

“We will highlight their stories, through a documentary series and celebrate their passion, zeal, desire. We shall celebrate the fire in their hearts and the Grace in the Soul. We shall celebrate on how they are contributing to shape agriculture, in the respective communities” said  Ms.Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa.

women farmers with disabilities – OUR SUPERWOMEN, would also be recognized, for living beyond their disabilities, to inspire and encourage others. We will celebrate their abilities, for taking up a “complicated” profession like farming.  These women sincerely inspire us, to keep pushing, she added.

other sponsors for the 5th  Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum(WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards includes Interplast Limited,Ghana Exim Bank ,Browngi Tractors and Implements ,others includes RST Machinery limited,Rainbow Agrosciences and HJA Africa.

As Agrihouse Foundation continues its journey towards agricultural transformation and breaking barriers  the role of women farmers and women with disabilities cannot be overstated. Their resilience, expertise, and determination are integral to ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering economic growth.

BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER