A moment of celebration and recognition unfolded at the 5th Women in Food and Agriculture Training Forum and gold in the soil awards as Margaret Agyei, a 38-year-old female farmer from Akim Achiase, stood proudly as the recipient of the coveted Gold in the Soil Award. The event, held at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua, not only showcased the remarkable achievements of women in the farming sector but also promoted gender equality and sustainable farming practices.
Margaret Agyei’s farming prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, as she adeptly manages a diverse range of crops and livestock on her impressive 94-acre farm. From a Palm Plantation, plantain, cassava, maize, cocoa, poultry, goat, grass cutter, rabbit, to cows, her integrated farming approach reflects a harmonious blend of agricultural activities contributing to a sustainable and productive farming landscape.
The 5th Women in Food and Agriculture Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards provided a significant platform to celebrate the accomplishments of women farmers and agripreneurs. Amongst the pool of talented participants, her dedication, hard work, and innovative farming methods stood out, earning her the ultimate recognition through the Gold in the Soil Award.
Margaret’s triumph in the face of numerous challenges exemplifies the resilience and determination of women in farming. Her outstanding achievements have not only inspired other women in the field but also garnered admiration and support from various stakeholders, including government officials and agricultural institutions.
Expressing her joy and gratitude, Margaret Agyei stated that , “I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Gold in the Soil Award. Farming has been my passion, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact on our community and the farming sector as a whole. This award is not just for me; it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of women farmers like me who strive to make a difference.”
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, commended Margret’s contributions, stating, “her remarkable success in farming exemplifies the spirit of the Gold in the Soil Award. It recognizes and celebrates the outstanding efforts of women farmers who play a critical role in driving our nation’s agricultural growth and food security.”
Margaret Agyei’s victory shines a spotlight on the significant contributions of women farmers in shaping Ghana’s farming landscape. The Gold in the Soil Award stands as a beacon of hope, encouraging and empowering more women to pursue their passions in farming and make a lasting impact on their communities and the nation as a whole. The fifth WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards was proudly brought to you by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, YARA, RDF Ghana LBG, and the World Food Program with collaborating institutions including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA),Eastern Regional Agricultural Directorate, Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD), the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG),and the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council .
Other sponsors for the 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards included Interplast Limited, Ghana Exim Bank, Browngi Tractors and Implements, RST Machinery Limited, Rainbow Agrosciences, HJA Africa, Moudlyne Gh. Ltd, The Hunger Project, and C-Mativents OTHER WINNERS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS INCLUDES: *Passion for Farm Award: Nana Felicia Akyeamah
*Change Champion Award: Mrs. Dzidzinyo K Fianu
*Outstanding Woman in Extension Services: Delali Esi Agyeman
In a significant celebration of women’s contributions to the agricultural landscape, the 5th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards took center stage in Koforidua, Eastern Region. hosted by Agrihouse Foundation, The intervention served as a resounding testament to the empowerment and recognition of women farmers and women farmers with disabilities and agribusiness owners. From the 26th to the 27th of July, over 500 participants, including three hundred women farmers and farmers with disabilities, gathered to share knowledge,learn , foster collaboration, and commemorate the outstanding achievements of these remarkable women.
Hosted at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua, the two-day event centered around the theme, “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders.” This year’s forum celebrated, recognized, and supported the exceptional achievements of women farmers and women with disabilities while fostering collaborative efforts towards gender equality and sustainable agricultural practices.
The fifth edition of the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards proved instrumental in providing practical training and mentorships to women farmers, thereby enhancing their capacity in farming and agribusiness. The intervention, also served as a platform to honour these remarkable women through the prestigious “Gold in the Soil Awards.”
In the past four years, the Regional Rotational Intervention,Have been successfully held in the Volta Region, Ashanti Region, Upper East and Upper West Regions and Western and Western North Region. This year, Koforidua was the chosen destination, attracting stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, corporate leaders, policymakers, development partner organizations, agricultural institutions, and resource persons. The event provided a unique opportunity for women farmers and agribusiness owners in the Eastern Region to be celebrated and empowered with business knowledge and industry innovations, enabling them to excel further within the sector.
Global Affairs Canada, YARA, RDF Ghana LBG, and the World Food Program Partnered the event, with collaborating institutions including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA),Eastern Regional Agricultural Directorate, Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD), the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG),and the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council .
Other sponsors for the 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards included Interplast Limited, Ghana Exim Bank, Browngi Tractors and Implements, RST Machinery Limited, Rainbow Agrosciences, HJA Africa, Moudlyne Gh. Ltd, The Hunger Project, and C-Mativents.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, emphasized the significance of inclusivity and empowerment for women with disabilities in the agricultural sector. She passionately spoke about the immense contributions of women farmers to Ghana’s agricultural landscape, highlighting how their dedication and resilience have played a pivotal role in advancing the sector.
“We must recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women farmers who form the backbone of our agricultural communities. Their hard work and unwavering commitment have ensured food security and economic prosperity for our nation. Through WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards, we aim to empower and uplift these women, providing them with the resources and recognition they deserve,” Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong expressed with enthusiasm.
She further stressed the importance of supporting women farmers with disabilities, stating, “This year, we have given particular attention to women farmers with physical disabilities who have demonstrated extraordinary determination and resilience. We want to empower them to rise above their challenges and thrive in the agricultural sector.”
The event served as a thriving platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing innovations in the agricultural sector. With active participation and collaboration from stakeholders, the 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards successfully advanced its mission of empowering women in agriculture and promoting sustainable practices in the region.
The 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards not only celebrated the achievements of women in agriculture but also underscored the importance of their continued support and recognition to build a vibrant and inclusive agricultural landscape in Ghana.
