In Ghana, women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women in the agricultural value chain play vital roles in the agricultural sector. However, they encounter unique challenges that hinder their productivity and economic potential. Addressing these challenges requires targeted support to ensure inclusivity and prosperity in the agricultural industry.
Women are significant contributors to food production and the rural economy. Despite their crucial roles, they often face obstacles such as limited access to resources like land, credit, and training due to cultural norms and gender biases. This disparity leads to lower productivity and economic returns compared to men. Providing women with equal access to resources isn’t just about fairness; it’s a strategic move that boosts agricultural productivity, improves food security, and enhances community well-being.
Similarly, farmers with disabilities encounter barriers such as inadequate access to adaptive tools and technologies, making farming tasks challenging. Societal attitudes and a lack of awareness about disability issues further marginalize these farmers. A comprehensive approach involving adaptive equipment, specialized training, and inclusive policies is necessary to support them effectively. Raising awareness and fostering acceptance of farmers with disabilities can create a more inclusive farming community.
Ensuring equal access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs for women farmers and farmers with disabilities is fundamental. Land reform policies and financial inclusion initiatives are essential for achieving this goal. Targeted training programs that cover modern farming techniques, business management, and adaptive technologies can enhance their skills and productivity. Investment in infrastructure tailored to their needs further boosts productivity.
Advocating for gender equality and disability inclusion in agriculture is crucial. Collaboration with policymakers, financial institutions, and agricultural organizations is necessary to create an enabling environment where these groups can thrive. Building a supportive community that values and includes them is equally important, achieved through awareness campaigns and community-based support programs.
Supporting these women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women in the agricultural value chain has been at the forefront of Agrihouse Foundation’s mission through its Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards. For the past five years, this initiative has provided a platform for women to showcase their talents, skills, and innovations in agriculture. Through leadership training, skills development, and mentorship, the initiative has empowered women to take up leadership roles, drive innovation, and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector.
As part of efforts to continuously improve and recognize the efforts of women in the agricultural industry, Agrihouse will organize the 6th edition of the Women in Food & Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards from July 9th to 10th, 2024. The theme, “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” underscores the ongoing commitment to empowering women and bridging gender gaps in the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the launch of the 6th Women in Food & Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards in Accra, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted the program’s impact: “Over the past five years, WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards have empowered countless women farmers and farmers with disabilities. Our initiative has provided these women with the resources, training, and recognition they need to thrive in the agricultural sector. By fostering leadership, innovation, and inclusivity, we have seen remarkable transformations in their lives and communities.”
The initiative has benefited over 8,000 women farmers, processors, and farmers with disabilities across various regions in Ghana. This year, the event will be held in the Bono Region to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and excellence of women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, agripreneurs, and leaders.
The Executive Director emphasized the crucial role these initiatives play in addressing the specific challenges faced by women farmers in the Bono Region. She noted that hosting the event in the Bono Region will provide a unique opportunity for farmers to directly engage with training, resources, and recognition tailored to their needs, empowering women farmers and farmers with disabilities, and allowing for a more targeted and effective response to the challenges they encounter daily.
Speaking about the challenges faced by women in agriculture, Ms. Akosa highlighted the essential contributions of women farmers to food security and economic development. She emphasized that despite their significant roles, women often encounter barriers such as limited access to resources, land, credit, and training, which hinder their productivity and economic potential.
The empowerment of women in agriculture is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative for sustainable agricultural development,” she stated.
“When women farmers receive equal opportunities and support, it leads to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, and enhanced livelihoods for communities.”
She urged stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, and agricultural organizations, to prioritize initiatives that promote gender equality and provide targeted support to women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women across the entire agricultural value chain.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation also expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana for their consistent support in empowering women farmers and farmers with disabilities through the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards initiative.
This year, the Gold in the Soil Awards introduces two new categories: the Supportive Agri-Man Award and the Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year Award, recognizing the contributions of both men and women in agriculture. The Supportive Agri-Man category honors men who support rural women producers, women-led agribusinesses, and agro-processors.
“With our visits to the farming communities, we realized that some men are really paving the way for these women farmers to succeed, so this year we are seeking to award the hard work and support of these men through the Supportive Agri-Man Award.
The Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year category will also seek to honor young women who have significantly impacted their communities by ensuring farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs and have played a vital role in enhancing farm activities and transforming livelihoods in their respective areas.”
The Gold in the Soil Awards, held on the second day, span seventeen categories, each designed to honor and showcase the achievements of women in various facets of agriculture. These categories include the Super Woman Farmer Award, Passion for Farm Award, Outstanding Woman in Extension Services Award, Royal Agro Award, Diamond in the Rough Award, Feed to Food Awards, Change Champion Award, others includes ,She Innovates Award, Climate-Smart Women Project Award, Lady of The Region Export Award, Star Woman Agripreneur Award, She-Operates Award, Development Partner Award, Princess Carla Award, and the ultimate Gold in the Soil Award.
Adding her voice, the Country Manager for Yara Ghana Limited, Madam Theresa Randolph, reaffirmed Yara Ghana’s commitment to supporting women farmers and farmers with disabilities, aiming to foster an inclusive and vibrant agricultural sector.
“Yara Ghana Limited is proud to partner and collaborate with Agrihouse Foundation for the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards. This is part of our broader mission to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support community development.
By focusing on the empowerment of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, and women working within the agricultural value chain on their journeys towards sustainable agriculture, resilience, and prosperity, Yara Ghana aims to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous agricultural sector in Ghana,” she added.
The Country Manager also emphasized the need for continuous collaboration among stakeholders to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers. She called on all stakeholders to work together towards creating a more inclusive agricultural sector that benefits all members of the community.
In conclusion, the 2022 winner of the Gold in the Soil Awards, Madam Evelyn Andoh, shared the impact the program has had on her farming and livelihood. “As the 2022 winner of the Gold in the Soil Awards, I have greatly benefited from the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum in numerous ways.
The training and mentorship provided have enhanced my skills in modern farming techniques, business management, and sustainability practices. The networking opportunities and exposure to innovative agricultural technologies have enabled me to improve productivity on my farm and contribute positively to food security in my community.
Overall, the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Awards have empowered me to become a more effective and successful farmer, leading to tangible improvements in my livelihood and the agricultural sector as a whole,” she added.
Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards have recognized and supported over 8,000 smallholder women farmers and farmers with disabilities across various regions, including the Volta, Ashanti, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions, the women through this event have gain access to training ,mentorship and training ,every year women who participate in the event are provided with fertilizers ,watering cans , Wellington boots ,nap sack sprayers ,seeds ,tricycles among others to aid in the farming ,This year, the mission continues in the Bono Region.
Join us in Sunyani, in the Bono Region, for the sixth Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) from Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, to Wednesday, July 10th, 2024. It promises to be an enriching experience as we gather to empower women farmers and farmers with disabilities, celebrate their achievements, and work towards a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
For more information, contact Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa at 0244623012, Regina at 0241371179, or Annibel at 0544704684.
