Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and YARA Ghana Limited and the Bono Regional Agriculture Directorate , proudly opens the 6th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards today, Tuesday, July 9th, through Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.
This year’s event takes place at Sunyani Technical University in the Bono Region under the theme, “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS.”
The 6th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards symbolize a pivotal moment in advancing women throughout the agricultural value chain. By promoting recognition, education, and collaboration, the event aims to break down barriers, promote gender equality, and create a more inclusive agricultural sector.
Annually, the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards move from region to region, empowering and celebrating the exceptional efforts of women in agriculture. This regional intervention has been held in the Volta, Ashanti, Western, Western North, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions, benefiting over 8,000 women farmers, processors, input dealers, farmers with disabilities, agripreneurs, and women across the entire agricultural value chain. The event provides them with the resources, training, mentorship, networking, and recognition needed to thrive in the agricultural sector, fostering leadership, innovation, and inclusivity.
The two-day event on-going at the Sunyani Technical University will feature over six hundred women farmers, processors, agripreneurs, farmers with disabilities, and women across the agricultural value chain. Activities will include panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions. These components empower participants to gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and forge collaborations that can reshape the future of agriculture in Ghana.
One of the highlights will be the prestigious Gold in the Soil Awards, recognizing exceptional women farmers and women with disabilities, processors, agripreneurs, and women in the entire agricultural value chain who have made remarkable contributions to the agricultural industry. The awards span seventeen categories, including the Super Woman Farmer Award, Passion for Farm Award, Outstanding Woman in Extension Services Award, Royal Agro Award, Diamond in the Rough Award, Feed to Food Award, Change Champion Award, She Innovates Award, Climate-Smart Women Project Award, Lady of The Region Export Award, Star Woman Agripreneur Award, She-Operates Award, Development Partner Award, Princess Carla Award, the ultimate Gold in the Soil Award, the newly introduced Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year category, and the Supportive Agri-Man Award.
As Agrihouse Foundation and Global Affairs Canada continue their journey towards agricultural transformation, the role of women farmers and women with disabilities cannot be overstated. Their resilience, expertise, and determination are integral to ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering economic growth.
Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, noted that this year’s event aims to build the capacity of women across the entire agriculrural value chain while celebrating their successes, challenges, and achievements.
Day one of the event features impactful activities, including a panel discussion on empowering women farmers and farmers with disabilities. There will be technical field demonstrations on the appropriate use and application of equipment, one-on-one mentorships, empowerment talks, and case study presentations on successful modules and practices.
The “10-to-1” breakout session offers women farmers hands-on educational opportunities, covering topics such as farm safety, financial management, nutrition, markets, exports, and investments.
On Day 2, the event continues with mentorship sessions and culminates with the “GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS,” where 17 nominees will be recognized and awarded in 17 different categories.
“We will highlight their stories through a documentary series and celebrate their passion, zeal, and contributions to shaping agriculture in their communities,” said Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa.
Women farmers with disabilities, referred to as “OUR SUPERWOMEN,” will also be recognized for their inspiring ability to live beyond their disabilities and succeed in farming, a challenging profession. These women sincerely inspire us to keep pushing forward, she added.