In a significant celebration of women’s contributions to the agricultural landscape, the 5th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards took center stage in Koforidua, Eastern Region. hosted by Agrihouse Foundation, The intervention served as a resounding testament to the empowerment and recognition of women farmers and women farmers with disabilities and agribusiness owners. From the 26th to the 27th of July, over 500 participants, including three hundred women farmers and farmers with disabilities, gathered to share knowledge,learn , foster collaboration, and commemorate the outstanding achievements of these remarkable women.
Hosted at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua, the two-day event centered around the theme, “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders.” This year’s forum celebrated, recognized, and supported the exceptional achievements of women farmers and women with disabilities while fostering collaborative efforts towards gender equality and sustainable agricultural practices.
The fifth edition of the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards proved instrumental in providing practical training and mentorships to women farmers, thereby enhancing their capacity in farming and agribusiness. The intervention, also served as a platform to honour these remarkable women through the prestigious “Gold in the Soil Awards.”
In the past four years, the Regional Rotational Intervention,Have been successfully held in the Volta Region, Ashanti Region, Upper East and Upper West Regions and Western and Western North Region. This year, Koforidua was the chosen destination, attracting stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, corporate leaders, policymakers, development partner organizations, agricultural institutions, and resource persons. The event provided a unique opportunity for women farmers and agribusiness owners in the Eastern Region to be celebrated and empowered with business knowledge and industry innovations, enabling them to excel further within the sector.
Global Affairs Canada, YARA, RDF Ghana LBG, and the World Food Program Partnered the event, with collaborating institutions including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA),Eastern Regional Agricultural Directorate, Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD), the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG),and the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council .
Other sponsors for the 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards included Interplast Limited, Ghana Exim Bank, Browngi Tractors and Implements, RST Machinery Limited, Rainbow Agrosciences, HJA Africa, Moudlyne Gh. Ltd, The Hunger Project, and C-Mativents.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, emphasized the significance of inclusivity and empowerment for women with disabilities in the agricultural sector. She passionately spoke about the immense contributions of women farmers to Ghana’s agricultural landscape, highlighting how their dedication and resilience have played a pivotal role in advancing the sector.
“We must recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women farmers who form the backbone of our agricultural communities. Their hard work and unwavering commitment have ensured food security and economic prosperity for our nation. Through WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards, we aim to empower and uplift these women, providing them with the resources and recognition they deserve,” Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong expressed with enthusiasm.
She further stressed the importance of supporting women farmers with disabilities, stating, “This year, we have given particular attention to women farmers with physical disabilities who have demonstrated extraordinary determination and resilience. We want to empower them to rise above their challenges and thrive in the agricultural sector.”
The event served as a thriving platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing innovations in the agricultural sector. With active participation and collaboration from stakeholders, the 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards successfully advanced its mission of empowering women in agriculture and promoting sustainable practices in the region.
The 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards not only celebrated the achievements of women in agriculture but also underscored the importance of their continued support and recognition to build a vibrant and inclusive agricultural landscape in Ghana.
