Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th annual Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards is set to mark a significant milestone with the introduction of two new award categories. Namely, Supportive Agri-Man Award and Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year Award with the aim of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of both men and women in agriculture.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, announced this exciting development while speaking at the launch of the 6th annual Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in The Soil Awards in Accra. She highlighted the impact of the awards in promoting gender equality and recognizing and awarding the support men provide to rural women farmers, farmers with disabilities and women across the entire agricultural value chain .
‘’The introduction of two new categories aims to further highlight the diverse contributions of both men and women in the agricultural sector. The Supportive Agri-Man category recognizes men who continuously support rural women producers, women-led agribusinesses, and agro-processors within their communities. This acknowledgment reflects the crucial role that supportive male figures play in empowering women in agriculture.
‘’With our visits to the farming communities, we realised that some men are really paving the way for these women farmers to succeed, so this year we are seeking to award the hardwork and support of this men, through the supportive Agri Man Award. She remarked
The Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year category will also seek to honors young women who have significantly impacted their communities by ensuring farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs and have played a vital role in enhancing farm activities and transforming livelihoods in their respective areas.
Ms. Akosa noted that the Gold in the Soil Awards has for the part five years recognized and supported over 8,000 women farmers across various regions in Ghana, including the Volta, Ashanti, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions. This year, the initiative extends its mission to the Bono Region, reaffirming its dedication to empowering women in agriculture.
The awards ceremony spans seventeen categories, each designed to honor and showcase the achievements of women in various facets of agriculture. These categories include the Super Woman Farmer Award, Passion for Farm Award, Outstanding Woman in Extension Services Award, Royal Agro Award, Diamond in the Rough Award, Feed to Food Awards, Change Champion Award, others include, She Innovates Award, Climate-Smart Women Project Award, Lady of The Region Export Award, Star Woman Agripreneur Award, She-Operates Award, Development Partner Award, Princess Carla Award, and the ultimate Gold in the Soil Award.
The Gold in the Soil Awards will take place on the second day of the 6th annual Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum WOFAGRIC event, scheduled from July 9 to July 10, 2024, in Sunyani, Bono Region. This year’s theme, “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” underscores the ongoing commitment to empowering women and bridging gender gaps in the agricultural sector.
Nominations are now open for farmers and agripreneurs who fit the various categories. Interested parties are encouraged to fill their nominations on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSgdPbKyMi8ce0nMguAk0xfOl6Zg75ntdiqIRnX7WRvUIZFA/viewform?usp=sf_link: or contact Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa at 0244623012, Regina at 0241371179, or Annibel at 0544704684.