KPERISI: The European Union Ghana Agricultural Programme (EUGAP), implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has acknowledged the vital role of rural women in fostering climate resilience and driving economic growth within their communities. This recognition underscores the significant contributions of women in agricultural production and their commitment to creating a sustainable future. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Simon Kunyangna, the Deputy Project Manager of the Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH) project, part of the EUGAP, praised the efforts of rural women at an event in the Kperisi community in the Wa Municipality. The event marked the International Day of Rural Women (IDRW), celebrated under the theme "Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All," recognizing women's contributions to agricultural development and food security. During the celebration, women farmers received training on Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs), focusing on the effective use of the Neem C rop Protector to enhance farming activities. Additionally, eight women groups and two women-owned businesses were acknowledged for their outstanding leadership in their communities. Among these groups was the Tiborataa Women Group in Wa, known for producing the Neem Crop Protector, an organic pesticide. "Rural women stand at the forefront of food production yet often face challenges in accessing resources, finance, or decision-making opportunities," noted Mr. Kunyangna. He emphasized that targeted investments and support are essential for bringing lasting change to rural women's lives and their communities. Mr. Kunyangna reaffirmed GIZ's commitment through EUGAP to empower women by providing capacity-building initiatives. These initiatives equip women with skills and knowledge necessary for improving agriculture activities, focusing on sustainable practices and climate-smart techniques to enhance productivity while protecting the environment. "With support from the Regional Department of Agriculture, over 83,000 farmers, including women, have been introduced to these practices, resulting in significant productivity gains-up to 78 percent in rice and 99 percent in soybean compared to baseline data from 2017," explained Mr. Kunyangna. These results highlight the transformative impact of access to resources and knowledge on smallholder farmers, especially women. The EUGAP is also promoting the cultivation of the edible green gram cover crop, which enriches soil and provides nutritious food. Mr. Alphonsus Abobo from the Upper West Regional Agricultural Directorate encouraged farmers to use the Neem Protector, citing its health benefits and potential to increase yields. Madam Wasila Issah of the Tobrataa Women's Group expressed gratitude for the recognition from EUGAP, stating it motivates them to enhance their agricultural production efforts.