Agribusiness advocate, intervener, initiator and the Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has been decorated as the first ever African to be named South America’s Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador. The ceremony took place in the State of Pará, the second-largest state in Brazil. This prestigious honor is a testament to Alberta’s unwavering commitment, profound impact and dedicated service to agriculture in Ghana.
The Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador Award recognizes exceptional women in agriculture who have made significant contributions to the sector. Since its inception, this award has honored female leaders who exhibit excellence, innovation and leadership.
It celebrates the pivotal role women play in advancing agricultural practices, driving economic growth and promoting sustainable development within their communities and beyond.
As the Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa will play a crucial role in strengthening agribusiness trade between Ghana and Brazil. Her focus will be on facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations and creating opportunities for mutual growth and development.
Alberta will also help promote and strengthen the work of women in agriculture in Ghana alongside Rally Mulheres do Agro through practical actions and communication via events.
This partnership aims to empower and mobilize many women in agriculture, providing them with visibility and support, enhanced women farmers with skills and knowledge and technological innovations in agriculture.
Speaking at the event, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa ,expressed her profound gratitude to the Rally Mulheres do Agro. She stated that this recognition for our work in agriculture in Ghana and beyond has prompted deep reflection on her journey in the agricultural field, from humble beginnings to this significant moment.
“Being recognized thousands of miles from my birth and home country and having flown over 1000’s miles to Pará to receive this honorary title as South America’s Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador makes me believe there is still hope and light at the end of the tunnel and rekindles my hope for the future of agriculture.” Reflecting on the honor, it is humbling to be acknowledged by those who see the impact of our work on youth, women, farmers with disabilities, smallholders, commercial farmers, and value chain players’’
“This recognition is not just for me, but for all women who dare to dream. It is for every woman who persists with passion and determination, who understands and nurtures her inner potential.
It is for every woman who faces battles, challenges, and difficulties—both internal and external—yet continues to press on.
she also acknowledged the Former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Naana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings for being a pioneer for women empowerment and for setting the pace for women like herself to follow.
‘’This is also for every woman who falls and rises again, who embodies the spirit of resilience. You are Ko-Na-Du—keep on fighting, keep on challenging yourself. You are a success; keep going! To every woman who questions her purpose and path, keep up and keep on. In due time, your passion, energy, and efforts will find their true meaning.
The right time has come for us to have a global platform where women gather annually to enlighten, shape our growth, trade, network, and redefine our pathways of hope, growth, and advancement,” she added.
“As the Global Agricultural Ambassador, I am now entrusted with the responsibility to use my voice to advocate for women from other African communities, highlighting the importance of growing agriculture with a global mindset and approach. We will strive to ensure strong African representation and participation in this event annually’’.
I however encourage Brazilian Embassies and missions across Africa to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in facilitating global trade. Support more women from African regions to participate in future events, as we work together towards a brighter future for agriculture worldwide.”
Marcelo Souza, the Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Manancial and chief editor of Revista Agrícola and Mulheres do Agro magazines, expressed confidence in Alberta’s appointment. He believes that Alberta’s work will inspire millions of women in Brazil, Ghana, and beyond, and that her role as the first international ambassador will pave the way for greater collaboration and empowerment in the agricultural sector.
“Alberta’s admiration, to empowering women in agriculture is exemplary. Her leadership and advocacy have already made significant impacts in Ghana, and we are excited to see how her influence will expand through her role as our ambassador. This appointment is a testament to her unwavering commitment and the transformative power of her work,” Marcelo stated.
Her appointment as the South American Global Agricultural Ambassador marks a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality and empowerment in agriculture. Her leadership and vision will undoubtedly inspire and drive positive change across the agricultural landscapes of both continents. He concluded.
The two-day event brought together women farmers and agribusiness professionals from different continents to share insights and experiences. On the second day, attendees participated in an innovative field tour, driving Toyota pickup trucks to visit a farm managed by a 24-year-old woman cultivating 260,000 acres of soybeans, as well as crops of sugarcane and millet. The tour also included a visit to a passion fruit farm and a fish pond site.
Adding her voice, Mairis Decidido, President of Fundadora do Agro e Elas in the State of Pará, expressed her excitement about the program and the valuable connections and partnerships formed.
“We hope that the relationships established between Ghana, Brazil, and South America will be strengthened through this collaboration. It is my hope that, in the coming years, we will visit Ghana to share their experiences and explore ways to work together to advance the role of women in farming through innovative approaches and scaling up the agriculture sector.”
She also expressed enthusiasm for working with Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa and Agrihouse Foundation to further enhance the global network of women in agriculture. “We are excited about this partnership and are optimistic that, in the future, more Africans will be part of this global community,” she added
H.E. Ambassador Abena P.A. Busia, Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil extended a warm invitation to Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa in her residence following her recognition as South America’s Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador. H.E. Busia expressed admiration for Alberta’s dedication and achievements in agribusiness, highlighting the significance of her recognition in Brazil. She noted that such an honor underscores Alberta’s excellence and the impact of her work.
Ambassador Busia conveyed her pride in Alberta’s transformative initiatives in Ghanaian agriculture, emphasizing the positive changes and empowerment she brings to women and youth and looking forward to future collaborations, aiming to strengthen agribusiness ties between Ghana and Brazil.
Alberta expressed her gratitude, noting, “I am humbled and happy to Her Excellency, Abena Busia, Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil and with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Ghana.” She also passionately encouraging more women to engage in agriculture, advocating for increased participation and robust support from various stakeholders and believes women can drive significant growth and innovation in agribusiness. Her advocacy is a clarion call for enhanced educational opportunities, mentorship and access to markets, empowering women to lead and thrive in the agricultural landscape
Alberta’s Rally Mulheres do Agro ambassadorship will give wide visibility to her excellent work in Ghana. This partnership aims to create support networks and partnerships with African women who need support, spotlight and recognition for their contributions to agriculture.
And also help create a platform for agribusinesses in both countries to collaborate, innovate and expand their markets, contributing to the growth and diversification of agribusinesses. Efforts will include organizing women farmers’ trade missions, promoting agricultural investment opportunities and sharing technological advancements in farming.
The 14th Edition of the Annual Preharvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions is here!
Are you an actor along the Agribusiness value chain (Seed, Fertilizer, Irrigation, Agro-Chemicals, Civil society, Consultant, Packaging Company, Finance/Insurance, IT, Processor, Government Institute/Agencies, Corporate institutions, etc) seeking to expand your market and connect to relevant stakeholders?
Then look no further, register now as an Exhibitor to be part of the 14th Preharvest event.
For 13 years now we have successfully connected over 197,000 farmers and stakeholders we are Still counting and connecting this year with the Theme; “Connecting the Unconnected – Accelerating the Farmer-Buyer Connectivity to Reduce Post Harvest Loses”
Venue: Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, Tamale
Field Demo Venue: Agrihouse Agri-Village Kudula, Tamale
Date: Tuesday, October 29 – Thursday, October 31, 2024
Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I, the esteemed Queen Mother of Jaman South in the Bono Region, won the Ultimate Gold in the Soil Award at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC). The event, held from July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, celebrated outstanding contributions to agriculture and the community, with Nana Yaa being recognized for her exceptional achievements.
At 53 years old, Nana Yaa manages a remarkable agricultural enterprise in Chiraa, Bono Region, which includes 25 acres of maize, 6 acres of cassava, 1 acre of plantain, and 5 acres of coconut. She also oversees a thriving poultry farm with 1,500 birds and a piggery housing 80 pigs. Her journey into agriculture began after a challenging period as a trader in Accra. Seeking a new path, she returned to Chiraa and embraced farming, transforming it into a sustainable livelihood that has significantly improved her quality of life.
Nana Yaa’s vision extends beyond her current achievements. She plans to further grow and expand her farming operations, with aspirations to increase her workforce from four to accommodate the expanding needs of her farm. Her unwavering determination and clear vision continue to make her a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating how agriculture can drive economic growth and community development.
Upon receiving the award, Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I expressed her gratitude, saying, “This award is not just for me, but for all the hardworking women in agriculture who strive every day to improve their lives and the lives of their communities. I hope my story inspires more women to see the potential in farming and to pursue it with passion and dedication. I am deeply grateful to the Agrihouse Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and Yara Ghana Limited for their unwavering support and recognition.”
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, praised Nana Yaa’s achievements and encouraged more women to venture into agriculture. She stated, “Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I’s success story is a testament to what is possible when women are empowered and supported in agriculture. We need more women to take up this mantle and contribute to the development of our agricultural sector. The potential is immense, and the impact is profound. Let us work together to break down barriers and create opportunities for women in agriculture.”
The event also recognized other exceptional individuals for their contributions to the agricultural sector. Takyiwaa Emma Gyan was awarded the Passion for Farm Award, and Afia Maria received the Feed to Food Award. Alijetu Bukari was honored as the Outstanding Woman in Extension Services, while Vera Enyonam Kwakye earned the She-Innovates Award. Sara Kyeremaa was celebrated with the Star Woman Agripreneur Award, and Adiata Abdulai received the Special Agriwoman Award.
Nana Anane Sarah won the Royal Agro Award, and Ayensu Patrick was acknowledged with the Supportive Agri-Man Award. Akua Benepour was recognized for her Climate Smart Women Project, and Elizabeth Sevor took home the Super Woman Farmer Award. Lucy Asuama was awarded the Lady of the Region Export Award, while Theresa Adu Boateng received the Diamond in the Rough Award. Global Affairs Canada was honored with the Development Partner Award, Janat Issifu received the Princess Carla Award, and Miss Vida Korang was celebrated with the Change Champion Award.
The 6th Annual Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards, themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” brought together over 800 participants for discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions.
Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana Limited, the event highlighted the crucial role of women and individuals with disabilities in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic growth in Ghana.
Madam Candace Holt, the Second Secretary for global affairs Canada, emphasized the importance of increasing women’s representation in the agricultural sector over the next five years.
During the sixth Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards, organized by Agrihouse Foundation in the Bono Region, Madam. Holt underscored the vital role women play in agriculture and highlighted Global Affairs Canada’s commitment to promoting gender equality in the sector.
She noted that empowering women in agriculture is not only essential for achieving sustainable development goals but also for enhancing food security and economic growth.
“Women are the backbone of many agricultural communities, and their increased participation is crucial for the advancement of the sector. By providing them with the necessary resources, training, and support, we can ensure that they play a more prominent role in driving agricultural innovation and sustainability. “We hope to see more women representation in the agriculture sector in the next five years,”
Ms. Holt highlighted several key areas where increased support and investment are needed to boost women’s participation in agriculture. These included access to land and financial resources, education and training programs, and the development of gender-sensitive policies.
“Access to resources and training is fundamental for women to succeed in agriculture,” Ms. Holt stated. “We need to break down the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the sector. This includes addressing issues related to land ownership, financial inclusion, and ensuring that women have access to the latest agricultural technologies and practices.”
we anticipate the impact of the government of Ghana’s new agriculture and local development policies and programs on spurring private-sector led growth and opportunities citing that, these will open up for women farmers and agribusinesses.
For Canada’s part, we recognize the importance of the full participation of women in economic decision making and we remain committed to help improve opportunities for women through our partnerships in Agrihouse Foundation’s women in food and agricultural leadership training forum and gold in the soil awards. she concluded.
Adding her voice, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture. “Our mission is to create an enabling environment where women can thrive and lead in the agricultural sector,” she said. “We are dedicated to providing women with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to transform their communities and contribute to national development.”
The call for increased women’s representation in agriculture comes at a time when the sector is undergoing significant changes. With challenges such as climate change, market access, and technological advancements, there is a growing recognition of the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive approaches to ensure the sector’s sustainability.
The Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards is part of Agrihouse Foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower women in agriculture. The Foundation’s programs focus on capacity building, advocacy, and creating opportunities for women to excel in the agricultural value chain.
The forum and awards ceremony, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors, served as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in agriculture. The event celebrated the achievements of women farmers and provided a space for sharing best practices and innovative solutions.
Farmers with disabilities have called for the implementation of inclusive policies and increased support from government and benevolent organization during a disability dialogue at the sixth Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards organized by Agrihouse Foundation.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for farmers with disabilities to share their experiences and advocate for changes that would enable them to fully participate in and contribute to the agricultural sector. the farmers with disabilities emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment that acknowledges their abilities and provides the necessary resources for them to thrive.
During the dialogue, several key issues were highlighted. These included the lack of accessible farming equipment, limited access to financial resources, and the need for training programs tailored to the needs of disabled farmers. Participants also called for the establishment of networks and support groups that can provide mutual assistance and advocacy.
“We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for equal opportunities,” stated one of the farmers. “Inclusive policies and support systems are essential to ensure that we can work effectively and sustainably in agriculture. We need access to training, affordable tools, and technologies that cater to our specific needs.”
The dialogue was a significant part of the broader Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum, which aims to empower women in the agricultural sector. The forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards celebrate the achievements of women farmers and highlight the importance of their contributions to food security and agricultural development in Ghana.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in agriculture.
“Our mission is to ensure that no one is left behind in the agricultural sector,” she stated. “We recognize the incredible potential of farmers with disabilities and are dedicated to providing them with the support they need to succeed.”
Agrihouse Foundation is known for its innovative programs that support farmers across Ghana, focusing on capacity building, advocacy, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The organization has been at the forefront of efforts to create more inclusive agricultural policies and practices.
The call for inclusive policies and support for farmers with disabilities is timely, as the agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, access to markets, and the need for technological advancements. By addressing the specific needs of disabled farmers, the sector can become more resilient and inclusive.
The event concluded with recommendations aimed at policymakers, agricultural organizations, and the private sector. These included the development of accessible farming technologies, increased funding for disability-inclusive agricultural programs, and the creation of partnerships between disabled farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
