Women farmers across the Northern Region are seeing remarkable improvements in their livelihoods thanks to sustainable agribusiness initiatives introduced by the Savannah Women Farmers Association (SWFA).
Through targeted interventions in districts such as Savelugu, Nanton, Mion, Tolon, and Kumbungu, the Association has empowered hundreds of women to adopt climate-smart farming practices, reduce poverty, and improve household nutrition.
The women made these commendations during a capacity-building and assessment workshop held in Tamale as part of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Project, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The project aims to strengthen farmer-based organisations and promote sustainable agricultural development in Ghana.
According to participants, SWFA’s programmes have transformed the way women engage in farming, shifting perceptions from subsistence agriculture to profitable agribusiness. They said the interventions have also built their resilience to the effects of climate change.
Mr. Oseni Kabiru, Programmes Officer of SWFA, explained that the workshop was designed to assess the Association’s impact in beneficiary communities and evaluate the influence of national agricultural policies on women farmers.
“We are reviewing how our initiatives have changed lives, while identifying persistent challenges such as access to land, markets, and climate-resilient technologies,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that women farmers are equipped, recognised, and supported to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s food security and economic growth.”
Mr. Kabiru reaffirmed SWFA’s commitment to advocate for gender-responsive agricultural policies and continued collaboration with policymakers to remove barriers limiting women’s participation in agribusiness.
“SWFA remains focused on promoting women’s leadership in agriculture and building their capacity to thrive as entrepreneurs,” he added.
For many beneficiaries, the impact has been life-changing. Madam Rahinatu Sulemana, a farmer from the Kpilo community, said the Association had given women the confidence and tools to take ownership of their farms and businesses.
“SWFA has helped us understand that farming can be profitable,” she said. “Through training on organic farming and better land use, our yields have increased, our families eat better, and poverty in our communities is declining.”
Participants also praised the Association for its role in giving women a stronger voice in agricultural decision-making, particularly on issues of land access and inclusion.
The Savannah Women Farmers Association has over the years established itself as a leading advocate for women in agriculture, working to bridge gender gaps, promote sustainable farming practices, and ensure that rural women are not left behind in Ghana’s agrifood transformation.
Source : Access Agric
