by Linda Boateng | Jul 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
Isaac Yeboah, a 44-year-old farmer from Chiraa, has emerged as a key figure in local agriculture, particularly in piggery production. Despite not having had formal education, Isaac’s passion for farming has driven him to empower women in his community and make significant contributions to the agricultural sector.
His journey into agriculture began with rearing goats, sheep, and guinea fowl. Over time, he transitioned to full-time piggery production, where he found his niche. Recognizing the potential of farming to transform lives, Isaac has been actively mentoring women in his community, guiding them through the intricacies of piggery production—from husbandry practices to optimizing feed for healthy pig growth.
According to him, he sees farming as a very profitable venture, because It has helped him, especially since I couldn’t attend school. Farming motivates me to strive for a better life for myself and my child.”
“I have helped a lot of women in my community venture into piggery production,” Isaac proudly shares. “Training them on the various processes involved has been fulfilling, knowing it contributes to their livelihoods.”
Isaac has been nominated for the Supportive Agri-Man Award, a newly introduced category by Agrihouse Foundation, For the Gold In The Soil Awards which seeks to recognize individuals like Isaac who exemplify dedication to supporting and empowering women in agriculture.
The upcoming Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC), slated for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, underscores the importance of empowering individuals like Isaac who play a crucial role in agricultural development. Themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” this event will gather over 600 participants for discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.
The Gold in the Soil Awards will honor outstanding women farmers and individuals with disabilities who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s agricultural sector. Supported by Agrihouse Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and Yara, the event emphasizes the pivotal role of women farmers and individuals with disabilities in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 4, 2024 | News
Boahemaa Ruth, a 38-year-old farmer from Kwabenkrakrom Dormaa West, has been nominated for the prestigious Diamond in the Rough Award at Agrihouse Foundation’s the 6th Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards. Scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, this event celebrates the resilience, innovation, and contributions of women in agriculture across Ghana.
Boahemaa’s journey into farming began two decades ago at the young age of 18. Starting with plantain and cocoa, she expanded her agricultural ventures to include a diverse range of crops such as rice, vegetables, maize, onion, pepper, tomatoes, mango, avocado, and palm trees. Today, she cultivates a total of 10 acres, dedicating 5 acres specifically to rice farming.
The path to successful rice cultivation is fraught with challenges. From the meticulous process of seed planting to protecting young seedlings from birds and pests, every step demands unwavering attention. The application of fertilizers must be precisely timed to ensure healthy growth, and climate change introduces unpredictable elements that can drastically affect yields. Adequate water supply is crucial, as rice is a water-intensive crop.
Despite these challenges, Boahemaa has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation. She once managed to produce 20 bags of rice independently but now employs a more strategic approach under the guidance of an agricultural master and supervisor. This has allowed her to maintain productivity and manage her resources more effectively. However, issues like low local rice prices and the lack of modern machinery for efficient processing continue to pose significant obstacles, increasing labor costs and reducing overall efficiency.
Boahemaa’s ingenuity is evident in her unique solutions to these challenges. She barters her homemade palm soup in exchange for labor, ensuring she has the necessary help to manage her farm. This creative approach not only sustains her farming operations but also strengthens community bonds. Her dedication to farming and her ability to find innovative solutions exemplify the resilience needed to thrive in agriculture.
The WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards aim to address such challenges by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to over 8,000 women across the agricultural value chain. This year’s event, themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” will feature over 600 participants engaged in breakout panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions.
A highlight of the event will be the Gold in the Soil Awards, honoring exceptional women farmers and those with disabilities whose contributions have made a significant impact on the agricultural industry. The continued efforts of Agrihouse Foundation, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and Yara, emphasize the critical role of women farmers and those with disabilities in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and driving economic growth.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
At just 28 years old, Linda Akurupoka is making significant strides in the palm kernel oil industry in Dormaa East, Wamfie, located in the Bono Region. Her entrepreneurial journey has earned her a nomination in the Super Woman Agripreneur category at the upcoming 6th WOFAGRIC-Gold in the Soils Awards, showcasing her remarkable determination and innovative spirit.
Starting with only two sacks of palm nut seeds, Linda has grown her operations to process 11 to 12 sacks daily, yielding an average of four gallons of high-quality oil. The production process involves labor-intensive steps: purchasing palm nut seeds, extracting kernels from them, drying the kernels, and pressing them to obtain the oil. Despite facing challenges such as transportation logistics for raw materials and finished products, as well as a lack of machinery to enhance production efficiency, Linda remains dedicated to meeting the demands of her customers.
Inspired by her mother, who also worked in palm kernel oil processing, Linda’s entrepreneurial journey began due to financial constraints preventing her from pursuing further education. Despite these hurdles, she continues to persevere, overcoming obstacles with a focus on expanding her business. Financial limitations have necessitated relying on daily labor instead of hiring permanent employees.
Linda Akurupoka’s story serves as a powerful testament to the impact of women in agriculture and their potential when provided with support. Her determination and passion exemplify the qualities of a true superwoman agripreneur, inspiring her community and beyond.
As part of its mission to showcase resilience, innovation, and success among women farmers, the Agrihouse Production Team is currently documenting stories across the Bono Region. These efforts highlight the talent and hard work of female farmers and those with disabilities, contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector.
The WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, now in its sixth year, is an annual regional initiative that rotates through various regions of Ghana. This event provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to over 8,000 women across the agricultural value chain.
Scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role Of Stakeholders,” the event will feature more than 600 participants engaged in breakout panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions. A highlight of the event will be the Gold in the Soil Awards, honoring exceptional women farmers and those with disabilities whose contributions have made a significant impact on the agricultural industry.
As Agrihouse Foundation and Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana Limited , continue their efforts towards agricultural transformation, the indispensable role of women farmers and those with disabilities remains central. Their resilience, expertise, and determination play a critical role in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and driving economic growth.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
Madam Agatha Forkuo, a 60-year-old farmer from Dormaa Ahenkro in Ghana’s Bono Region, embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of agriculture and the resilience it demands. She has been nominated in the Passion of Farm category at the 6th Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards, to be held from Tuesday, July 9th to Wednesday, July 10th, 2024, in Sunyani, Bono Region.
Originally aspiring to be a seamstress, Agatha’s path diverged at 16 when financial constraints led her into farming alongside her father. This early introduction sparked a lifelong passion that has seen her cultivate 50 acres of land, nurturing crops like maize, cashew, palm nuts, garden eggs, tomatoes, pepper, and okra.
Additionally, she runs a thriving seed nursery where she tends to thousands of mango, orange, palm tree, and cocoa seeds, some of which she exports to neighboring Ivory Coast.
Through her hard work, Agatha has not only provided for her four children but also supported them through their educational journeys, with several achieving university degrees and nursing qualifications. Despite their academic success, she has instilled in them a deep appreciation for agriculture and its impact on livelihoods.
Beyond her personal achievements, Madam Agatha plays a pivotal role in her community. She has established a training club that mentors 12 young farmers, imparting skills in budding, grafting, and pest management. This initiative not only enhances local farming practices but also empowers the next generation of agricultural leaders.
However, Agatha faces challenges familiar to many farmers, such as inadequate water supply for irrigation and logistical difficulties in transporting her produce to market. Despite these obstacles, her determination remains unwavering, driving her to seek solutions and innovate within her farming practices.
During harvest seasons, Agatha employs over 10 laborers, contributing significantly to the local economy. She also involves her children in farm activities, instilling in them the same work ethic and love for agriculture that has defined her life’s journey.
Madam Agatha Forkuo’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of agriculture on individuals and communities. Her resilience, dedication, and commitment to empowering others through farming serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the essential role agriculture plays in shaping sustainable futures.
The WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, now in its sixth year, is an annual regional initiative that rotates through various regions of Ghana. This event provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to over 8,000 women across the agricultural value chain. Scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role Of Stakeholders,” the event will feature more than 600 participants engaged in breakout panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions. A highlight of the event will be the Gold in the Soil Awards, honoring exceptional women farmers and those with disabilities whose contributions have made a significant impact on the agricultural industry.
the 6th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards is sponsored by Global Affairs Canada, and Yara Ghana limited .
