Global Affairs Canada Advocates for Greater Women’s Representation in Agriculture by 2029

by Linda Boateng | Jul 23, 2024 | News

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 Call for Inclusive Policies and Support

by Linda Boateng | Jul 23, 2024 | News

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.