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.