Adwoa Agyeiwaa, A 65-year-old farmer from the vibrant community of Akim Akropong, has become a source of inspiration and empowerment through her remarkable journey in the agricultural sector. With her unwavering determination and dedication, Agyeiwaa has transformed her farm into a thriving enterprise, while uplifting the lives of those around her.
Starting her farming journey in 2012 with the cultivation of rubber, Agyeiwaa’s passion and commitment led her to expand her operations over the years. Today, her farm spans an impressive 19 acres of rubber, accompanied by 8 acres of coconut, plantain, and cassava, as well as a flourishing 10-acre palm plantation. Not content with these achievements alone, she has also ventured into fish farming, successfully rearing catfish and tilapia.
Agyeiwaa’s impact extends far beyond the boundaries of her farm. Through her hard work and perseverance, she has not only secured a prosperous future for herself but has also provided her three children with the opportunity to pursue higher education. Her dedication to farming has also allowed her to embark on the construction of her own house, symbolizing her resilience and the fruits of her labour.
Despite her successes, Agyeiwaa acknowledges the challenges she faces in the rubber tapping process. The lack of skilled professionals in this area hinders productivity and efficiency. She emphasizes the importance of government support in providing training opportunities to equip farmers with the necessary skills for effective rubber tapping. By investing in this aspect, Agyeiwaa envisions enhanced productivity and increased potential for the local rubber industry.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Agyeiwaa was honored as the best woman tree farmer in the Atiwa West District in 2015. This recognition underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence and her commitment to making a difference in the agricultural sector.
Agyeiwaa extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Agrihouse Foundation for their unwavering support in empowering women farmers and promoting women’s participation in agriculture. The foundation’s initiatives have played a pivotal role in providing resources, knowledge, and platforms for women like Agyeiwaa to thrive and succeed.
Adwoa Agyeiwaa’s story is a testament to the transformative power of agriculture and the resilience of an individual driven by passion and purpose. Her journey inspires aspiring farmers and community members alike, underscoring the potential for personal growth, community development, and empowerment that lies within the agricultural sector.
As she continues to nurture her farm and empower those around her, Adwoa Agyeiwaa stands as a shining example of strength, determination, and the immense possibilities that agriculture holds for individuals, families, and communities in Akim Akropong and beyond.
Agrihouse Foundation’s Production Team are presently traveling across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region, their mission is to document the remarkable achievements of 62 shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region, for the upcoming 5th 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.
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 has for the past five years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s production team in our quest to recognize, honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability, other partners for this year’s 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil awards also includes Yara Ghana, RDF Ghana LBG and World Food Program.
The 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards is scheduled for July 26-27 at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua in the Eastern Region under the theme “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS,” promise to be a momentous occasion. These events will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and women farmers and farmers with disability to award and celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
ABOUT WOFAGRIC AND GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS: Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that strengthens and promotes a paradigm shift in celebrating women farmers, processors, marketers, and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts of women in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, technology, and input dealers. Every year, the event moves from region to region, searching for these extraordinary women who play a significant role in putting food on our tables. Regardless of their abilities, they are thriving to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.
BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER