by Linda Boateng | Jul 3, 2024 | Uncategorized
At just 29 years old, Janat Issifu, from Sunyani in the Bono Region, founded Wan Hive Ghana to address the challenges faced by women in the agricultural value chain. Her organization supports women farmers by providing market linkage opportunities, identifying their challenges, and designing solutions, programs, and initiatives to empower and mentor them to increase their yields.
Wan Hive Ghana also connects women farmers to successful mentors, offering farmers crucial funding for necessary inputs such as cutlasses, hoes, Wellington boots, and fertilizers and also by linking them to markets, the organization helps prevent post-harvest losses.
Additionally, Wan Hive Ghana connects women farmers to manufacturing companies that add value to their produce. Currently, the organization is assisting some women farmers in registering and certifying their products for local and international markets.Janat’s motivation stems from her desire to empower women and generate interest in agriculture among the youth.According to her, she aims to change the perception that agriculture is only for the elderly by demonstrating its potential as a viable career path for young people. Her efforts have also created employment opportunities, with five permanent workers and three temporary workers currently employed at Wan Hive Ghana.”I believe in the potential of agriculture to transform lives and communities,” says Janat Issifu. “Through Wan Hive Ghana, we’re not just supporting farmers; we’re building a sustainable future for agriculture in Ghana.”she added
Despite the numerous successes, Janat faces challenges, particularly in accessing funding. However, her determination and dedication to her mission remain unwavering.
Janat Issifu has been nominated for the prestigious Princess Carla Awards at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards. Her tireless efforts in empowering women farmers and transforming the agricultural landscape have earned her this distinguished recognition.
“I thank Agrihouse Foundation for this incredible nominations and recognition ,” says Janat Issifu. “This nomination motivates me to continue my work and reinforces the importance of supporting women in agriculture.”
Agrihouse Foundation’s Production Team are presently traveling across all districts in the Bono Region, their mission is to document the remarkable achievements shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Bono Region , for the upcoming 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards, an annual rotational Regional intervention organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with global affairs Canada, captured the story of Janat.Travelling from district to district, Agrihouse Production Team seeks to capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success, showcasing the immense talent and achievement and hard work of these women farmers in the Eastern Region.Their efforts aim to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in shaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana has for the past six years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s quest to recognize, honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability.
The 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards, will take place on July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, women farmers, and advocates to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 3, 2024 | News
Madam Akua Benipour, a 43-year-old farmer from Asuatia in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana, has been nominated for the Diamond in the Rough Award Category of Agrihouse Foundation’s Gold in the Soil Awards at the 6th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards, to be held in Sunyani in the Bono Region from Tuesday 9th July to Wednesday 10th July 2024.
In just two years, Madam Akua Benipour has transformed her modest 5-acre farm into a flourishing 70-acre agricultural enterprise. Her farm boasts a diverse array of crops including maize, yam, rice, cabbage, onion, cowpea, cassava, cashew, and cocoa, showcasing her dedication to sustainable farming practices and enhancing local food production.
Alongside her crop cultivation, Madam Benipour manages a thriving poultry business with 150 chickens, 70 goats, 45 guinea fowls, and 30 pigs. Her farm employs 14 workers from the community, providing vital local employment and serving as a mentor to aspiring farmers. The profits from her farm support her family, including the education of her eight children, underlining her commitment to both agricultural excellence and community welfare.
Despite her successes, Madam Benipour faces challenges, particularly in accessing affordable fertilizers essential for optimizing farm productivity. She hopes to receive support in the form of seeds, fertilizers, a spraying machine, and Wellington boots to further enhance her farming endeavors and increase yields.
“I am passionate about farming and strive to produce the highest quality crops,” she affirms. “However, the lack of accessible fertilizers has been a hindrance. I hope for assistance in this regard to boost my farm’s productivity.”
The Gold in the Soil Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the hard work and achievements of women in agriculture. The Diamond in the Rough category specifically honors women who have shown resilience, innovation, and dedication in their farming practices, making significant contributions to the agricultural sector in the Bono Region and beyond.
Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with sponsors including Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, is committed to supporting smallholder farmers like Akua Benipour. Their joint efforts aim to make a lasting impact on farming communities, promoting growth and prosperity across the nation.
As the Agrihouse Production Team travels through the Bono Region, they will capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success among women farmers. These efforts highlight the immense talent and hard work of female farmers and farmers with disabilities, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in ensuring food security.
The 6th 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, promises to be a significant event. Under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” these gatherings will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, women farmers, and farmers with disabilities to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
About WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards: The Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that celebrates and strengthens women farmers, processors, marketers, and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards recognize outstanding efforts across various sectors including transportation, packaging, technology, and input supply. Each year, the event moves across regions in search of extraordinary women who play pivotal roles in ensuring food security and advancing the agricultural sector’s growth.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 3, 2024 | News
In Chiraa-Sunyani, in the Bono Region, 33-year-old Asantewaa Louisa serves as an extension service officer with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Sunyani. Her mission is clear: to empower local farmers with knowledge and support to enhance their agricultural practices. Beyond her official role, Asantewaa manages a thriving 10-acre farm, cultivating rice across 6 acres alongside maize, coconut, and various vegetables. Her farm also hosts 25 sheep and goats, and 200 poultry birds.
Asantewaa’s journey into agriculture began four years ago with a determination to uplift Ghana’s rice industry. Through innovative farming techniques and dedicated research, she has not only improved crop quality but has also bolstered local economic opportunities. By employing three casual workers and two permanent staff on her farm, Asantewaa not only increases agricultural productivity but also fosters community development through job creation.
Despite her successes, Asantewaa faces challenges familiar to many small-scale farmers: fluctuating crop prices and the high costs of essential inputs like fertilizers. These obstacles underscore the critical need for improved support systems and fair pricing policies tailored to sustain small farmers, ensuring their resilience and success in Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
Asantewaa’s dedication to agriculture has earned her nomination for the Outstanding Woman in Extension Services at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Gold in the Soil Awards. These awards, organized by the Agrihouse Foundation with support from Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, celebrate outstanding women in agriculture like Asantewaa. They honor individuals for their resilience, innovation, and dedication to farming practices that significantly contribute to the agricultural sector .
As the Agrihouse Production Team travels through the Bono Region, they will capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success among women farmers. These efforts highlight the immense talent and hard work of female farmers and farmers with disabilities, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in ensuring food security.
Scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, the 6th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards to be held Under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” will gather stakeholders, industry leaders, women farmers, and advocates to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
About WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards: The Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual celebration that empowers and honors women across Ghana’s agricultural value chain, including farmers, processors, marketers, and others. These awards not only recognize excellence but also promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security, ensuring a prosperous future for farming communities nationwide.
