In Chiraa-Sunyani, in the Bono Region, 33-year-old Asantewaa Louisa serves as an extension service officer with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Sunyani. Her mission is clear: to empower local farmers with knowledge and support to enhance their agricultural practices. Beyond her official role, Asantewaa manages a thriving 10-acre farm, cultivating rice across 6 acres alongside maize, coconut, and various vegetables. Her farm also hosts 25 sheep and goats, and 200 poultry birds.
Asantewaa’s journey into agriculture began four years ago with a determination to uplift Ghana’s rice industry. Through innovative farming techniques and dedicated research, she has not only improved crop quality but has also bolstered local economic opportunities. By employing three casual workers and two permanent staff on her farm, Asantewaa not only increases agricultural productivity but also fosters community development through job creation.
Despite her successes, Asantewaa faces challenges familiar to many small-scale farmers: fluctuating crop prices and the high costs of essential inputs like fertilizers. These obstacles underscore the critical need for improved support systems and fair pricing policies tailored to sustain small farmers, ensuring their resilience and success in Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
Asantewaa’s dedication to agriculture has earned her nomination for the Outstanding Woman in Extension Services at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Gold in the Soil Awards. These awards, organized by the Agrihouse Foundation with support from Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, celebrate outstanding women in agriculture like Asantewaa. They honor individuals for their resilience, innovation, and dedication to farming practices that significantly contribute to the agricultural sector .
As the Agrihouse Production Team travels through the Bono Region, they will capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success among women farmers. These efforts highlight the immense talent and hard work of female farmers and farmers with disabilities, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in ensuring food security.
Scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, the 6th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards to be held Under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” will gather stakeholders, industry leaders, women farmers, and advocates to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
About WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards: The Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual celebration that empowers and honors women across Ghana’s agricultural value chain, including farmers, processors, marketers, and others. These awards not only recognize excellence but also promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security, ensuring a prosperous future for farming communities nationwide.