Cape coast: The Agrihouse Foundation, a non-government organisation focused on agricultural development, has successfully trained over 700 women in the Central Region. This initiative aims to enhance the women's capacity and boost productivity in the agricultural sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, the participants, who included rural farmers of all ages and persons with disabilities, were selected from all 22 districts in the region. They underwent comprehensive training covering various aspects of the agricultural value chain, such as crop nutrition, mechanisation, livestock, fisheries, value addition, personal branding, packaging, marketing, and social media. The women were also educated on how to identify and leverage investment opportunities in agriculture.
A special session catered to farmers with disabilities to address their unique needs. This workshop was part of the seventh Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards, held in Cape Coast. The annual forum seeks to recognize and reward the contributions of rural women farmers, identify their challenges, and provide training to help them overcome barriers.
The two-day event was attended by policymakers, agriculture entrepreneurs, development partners, queen mothers, and farmers. Notable dignitaries included Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, and Mr. John Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Agriculture. The theme for this year's forum was 'Overcoming the barriers to women agribusiness development', and it featured a mini exhibition of commodities, products, inputs, and services.
The forum received significant support from Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, an agriculture organisation focused on increasing the productivity of Ghanaian farmers. Madam Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Founder and Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, explained the intervention's rationale, highlighting the struggles women face in farming, particularly those with disabilities, and the urgent need for support.
Madam Akosa noted the challenges faced by these women, including limited access to land, financial support, and agricultural knowledge and skills. She emphasized that with more support, these women could significantly contribute to feeding communities and the nation. Since 2018, the training forum has positively impacted farmers across eight regions, strengthening market linkages and empowering women to become key decision-makers in the sector.
Mr. Eduamoah, the Regional Minister, praised the Foundation and its partners for the initiative, which he believes will enhance food security and empower women who make up 52% of the agricultural labour force. He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting women through various policies and initiatives.
Dr. Peter Kofi Omega, the Regional Director of Agriculture, detailed the government's Feed Ghana initiative, urging citizens, especially the youth, to take advantage of the opportunities in vegetable farming, starchy foods plantation, livestock, and poultry. He also expressed concern over activities like sand winning and illegal mining that threaten farmlands and food production.
Dr. Isaac Tweneboah-Koduah, a lecturer and agriculture consultant, advised the participants to master their craft, add value to their businesses, and offer exceptional customer service. Dr. Marta Catminati, an agriculture and safety expert, encouraged women to rear ruminants for additional income.
Mr. Mathieu Lacasse, Second Secretary at the Canadian High Commission in Ghana, emphasized the importance of the initiative in building an inclusive society where women can thrive. He reiterated Canada's continual support for Ghanaian agriculture, particularly for women.
Madam Theresa Randolph, Country Manager of Yara Ghana, warned that Ghana's agricultural growth would remain stunted if women continued to be marginalised. She called for deliberate measures to remove these barriers and pledged Yara Ghana's commitment to this cause.