by Linda Boateng | Jul 6, 2024 | News
Nana Anane Sarah, a respected traditional leader in Seikwa, Tain District, has made remarkable strides in agriculture at the age of 62. Initially starting with 12 acres, she now manages a sprawling 75-acre farm where she cultivates maize, yam, mango, cassava, baobab trees, and raises poultry with 32 chickens. Transitioning from a teaching career, she discovered that farming offered greater profitability and satisfaction.
Her journey in farming began 20-25 years ago, during former President John Agyekum Kuffour’s tenure, when she received free baobab trees to plant on 18 acres. This initiative provided a significant boost, allowing her to sometimes export a full container of baobab trees to the market. Despite facing financial challenges, Nana Anane Sarah took a bank loan to invest in her farms, which has since turned into a thriving enterprise.
As a way of giving back to her community and fulfilling her role as a traditional leader, Nana Anane Sarah offers portions of her land to locals to cultivate. After the harvest, they share the produce, providing a sustainable means to improve the livelihoods of women in her community through agriculture. Her efforts exemplify how traditional leadership and innovative farming practices can drive community development and economic growth.
In recognition of her achievements, Nana Anane Sarah has been nominated for the Royal Agro Award at the upcoming Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC). The event, scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, underscores the importance of empowering individuals like Nana Anane Sarah, 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.
For the past six years, the Gold in the Soil Awards have honored outstanding women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, and women across the entire agricultural value chain who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s agricultural sector. Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, the event emphasizes the pivotal role of women farmers and individuals with disabilities in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
Nana Anane Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in agriculture. Her transition from teaching to farming, coupled with her efforts to uplift her community, highlights the significant impact of women in agriculture. Her nomination for the Royal Agro Award is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to Ghana’s agricultural sector and her commitment to community development.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 6, 2024 | News
Vera Enyonam Osei Kwakye, a 43-year-old farmer based in Sunyani, is revolutionizing agriculture with her 64-acre farm, cultivating vegetables, cocoa, and managing a 50,000-capacity fish pond. Inspired by her mother and driven by a passion for farming, Vera started this venture in 2012 with her late husband. Now, she employs 24 workers, collaborates with universities and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) for training, and supplies markets in Kumasi and Accra.
Despite challenges such as soil issues and storm damage, Vera remains resilient, determined to overcome hurdles and continue empowering her community. Her innovative approach and commitment to sustainable farming practices have set a benchmark in the agricultural sector.
In recognition of her achievements, Vera Enyonam Osei Kwakye has been nominated for the Change Champion Award at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC). The event, scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, underscores the importance of empowering individuals like Vera, 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.
For the past six years, the Gold in the Soil Awards have honored outstanding women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, and women across the entire agricultural value chain who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s agricultural sector. Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, 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 6, 2024 | News
In Banda Nyire, Bono Region, Madam Mensah Comfort has transformed her family’s agricultural legacy into a source of success and community empowerment. Starting with 15 acres of cashew in 2015, she now manages an impressive 82 acres of cashew and a total of 180 acres of crops, including maize, yam, and groundnut, as well as poultry and livestock. Despite challenges such as lack of labor, fertilizer, and transportation, she seeks guidance from agricultural officers to continually improve her farm.
She is not only dedicated to her own success but also to empowering other women in her community. She has organized a group of 30 women, teaching them essential farming skills and helping them start their own agricultural ventures. Through her efforts, she supports her family and uplifts her community, showcasing the positive impact of hard work and dedication in agriculture.
In recognition of her achievements, she has been nominated for the Diamond In The Rough Award at the upcoming Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC). The event, scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, underscores the importance of empowering individuals like Madam Mensah Comfort, 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.
For the past six years, the Gold in the Soil Awards have honored outstanding women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, and women across the entire agricultural value chain who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s agricultural sector. Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, the event emphasizes the pivotal role of women farmers and individuals with disabilities in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
Madam Mensah Comfort’s story is a powerful example of resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. Her journey from starting with 15 acres of cashew to managing a diverse and expansive farm, while also empowering other women, highlights the significant contributions women can make to agriculture. Her nomination for the Diamond In The Rough Award is a testament to her impact on her community and the agricultural sector in Ghana.
