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.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 26, 2024 | Article
In Ghana, women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women in the agricultural value chain play vital roles in the agricultural sector. However, they encounter unique challenges that hinder their productivity and economic potential. Addressing these challenges requires targeted support to ensure inclusivity and prosperity in the agricultural industry.
Women are significant contributors to food production and the rural economy. Despite their crucial roles, they often face obstacles such as limited access to resources like land, credit, and training due to cultural norms and gender biases. This disparity leads to lower productivity and economic returns compared to men. Providing women with equal access to resources isn’t just about fairness; it’s a strategic move that boosts agricultural productivity, improves food security, and enhances community well-being.
Similarly, farmers with disabilities encounter barriers such as inadequate access to adaptive tools and technologies, making farming tasks challenging. Societal attitudes and a lack of awareness about disability issues further marginalize these farmers. A comprehensive approach involving adaptive equipment, specialized training, and inclusive policies is necessary to support them effectively. Raising awareness and fostering acceptance of farmers with disabilities can create a more inclusive farming community.
Ensuring equal access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs for women farmers and farmers with disabilities is fundamental. Land reform policies and financial inclusion initiatives are essential for achieving this goal. Targeted training programs that cover modern farming techniques, business management, and adaptive technologies can enhance their skills and productivity. Investment in infrastructure tailored to their needs further boosts productivity.
Advocating for gender equality and disability inclusion in agriculture is crucial. Collaboration with policymakers, financial institutions, and agricultural organizations is necessary to create an enabling environment where these groups can thrive. Building a supportive community that values and includes them is equally important, achieved through awareness campaigns and community-based support programs.
Supporting these women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women in the agricultural value chain has been at the forefront of Agrihouse Foundation’s mission through its Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards. For the past five years, this initiative has provided a platform for women to showcase their talents, skills, and innovations in agriculture. Through leadership training, skills development, and mentorship, the initiative has empowered women to take up leadership roles, drive innovation, and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector.
As part of efforts to continuously improve and recognize the efforts of women in the agricultural industry, Agrihouse will organize the 6th edition of the Women in Food & Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards from July 9th to 10th, 2024. The 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.
Speaking at the launch of the 6th Women in Food & Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards in Accra, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted the program’s impact: “Over the past five years, WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards have empowered countless women farmers and farmers with disabilities. Our initiative has provided these women with the resources, training, and recognition they need to thrive in the agricultural sector. By fostering leadership, innovation, and inclusivity, we have seen remarkable transformations in their lives and communities.”
The initiative has benefited over 8,000 women farmers, processors, and farmers with disabilities across various regions in Ghana. This year, the event will be held in the Bono Region to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and excellence of women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, agripreneurs, and leaders.
The Executive Director emphasized the crucial role these initiatives play in addressing the specific challenges faced by women farmers in the Bono Region. She noted that hosting the event in the Bono Region will provide a unique opportunity for farmers to directly engage with training, resources, and recognition tailored to their needs, empowering women farmers and farmers with disabilities, and allowing for a more targeted and effective response to the challenges they encounter daily.
Speaking about the challenges faced by women in agriculture, Ms. Akosa highlighted the essential contributions of women farmers to food security and economic development. She emphasized that despite their significant roles, women often encounter barriers such as limited access to resources, land, credit, and training, which hinder their productivity and economic potential.
The empowerment of women in agriculture is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative for sustainable agricultural development,” she stated.
“When women farmers receive equal opportunities and support, it leads to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, and enhanced livelihoods for communities.”
She urged stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, and agricultural organizations, to prioritize initiatives that promote gender equality and provide targeted support to women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women across the entire agricultural value chain.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation also expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana for their consistent support in empowering women farmers and farmers with disabilities through the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards initiative.
This year, the Gold in the Soil Awards introduces two new categories: the Supportive Agri-Man Award and the Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year Award, recognizing the contributions of both men and women in agriculture. The Supportive Agri-Man category honors men who support rural women producers, women-led agribusinesses, and agro-processors.
“With our visits to the farming communities, we realized that some men are really paving the way for these women farmers to succeed, so this year we are seeking to award the hard work and support of these men through the Supportive Agri-Man Award.
The Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year category will also seek to honor 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.”
The Gold in the Soil Awards, held on the second day, span 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 includes ,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.
Adding her voice, the Country Manager for Yara Ghana Limited, Madam Theresa Randolph, reaffirmed Yara Ghana’s commitment to supporting women farmers and farmers with disabilities, aiming to foster an inclusive and vibrant agricultural sector.
“Yara Ghana Limited is proud to partner and collaborate with Agrihouse Foundation for the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards. This is part of our broader mission to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support community development.
By focusing on the empowerment of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, and women working within the agricultural value chain on their journeys towards sustainable agriculture, resilience, and prosperity, Yara Ghana aims to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous agricultural sector in Ghana,” she added.
The Country Manager also emphasized the need for continuous collaboration among stakeholders to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers. She called on all stakeholders to work together towards creating a more inclusive agricultural sector that benefits all members of the community.
In conclusion, the 2022 winner of the Gold in the Soil Awards, Madam Evelyn Andoh, shared the impact the program has had on her farming and livelihood. “As the 2022 winner of the Gold in the Soil Awards, I have greatly benefited from the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum in numerous ways.
The training and mentorship provided have enhanced my skills in modern farming techniques, business management, and sustainability practices. The networking opportunities and exposure to innovative agricultural technologies have enabled me to improve productivity on my farm and contribute positively to food security in my community.
Overall, the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Awards have empowered me to become a more effective and successful farmer, leading to tangible improvements in my livelihood and the agricultural sector as a whole,” she added.
Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards have recognized and supported over 8,000 smallholder women farmers and farmers with disabilities across various regions, including the Volta, Ashanti, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions, the women through this event have gain access to training ,mentorship and training ,every year women who participate in the event are provided with fertilizers ,watering cans , Wellington boots ,nap sack sprayers ,seeds ,tricycles among others to aid in the farming ,This year, the mission continues in the Bono Region.
Join us in Sunyani, in the Bono Region, for the sixth Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) from Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, to Wednesday, July 10th, 2024. It promises to be an enriching experience as we gather to empower women farmers and farmers with disabilities, celebrate their achievements, and work towards a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
For more information, contact Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa at 0244623012, Regina at 0241371179, or Annibel at 0544704684.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 19, 2024 | News
Ghana’s poultry sector is at a critical juncture, with industry experts and stakeholders calling for increased support and patronage to unlock its full potential. Predominantly driven by small to medium-scale producers, the sector is essential for providing affordable protein and creating employment opportunities across the country.
Data from the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers (GNAPF) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency reveal that there are 40 large-scale commercial poultry farms in Ghana, mainly located in the Ashanti, Bono, and Ahafo regions. Despite this progress, Ghana spends close to $254 million on imported poultry meat, making it the 24th largest importer of poultry meat in the world.
Despite its significance, the industry faces numerous challenges. One major issue is the high cost of poultry feed, which accounts for about 70% of production costs. The reliance on imported maize and soybean meal, coupled with the absence of local feed mills, makes feed prices prohibitively expensive for many farmers.
Inadequate infrastructure also hampers productivity and affects the quality of poultry products. Many farms lack modern facilities, including proper housing for birds, efficient waste management systems, and cold chain logistics to maintain meat quality.
Access to finance remains another significant challenge. Small and medium-scale poultry farmers often struggle to secure loans due to high-interest rates and stringent collateral requirements, preventing them from expanding their operations and investing in better technology.
Disease management is yet another pressing issue. The sector is vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases like Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease. Inadequate veterinary services and poor biosecurity measures exacerbate these problems, leading to significant losses for farmers.
To help improve Ghana’s poultry sector, Agrihouse Foundation introduced the Ghana Poultry Day initiative four years ago to promote the consumption and patronage of Ghana’s poultry sector, raise awareness about the pivotal role played by the poultry industry in areas such as employment generation, food security, and economic growth to help foster a greater appreciation for this sector among stakeholders and the public and fortify its growth and sustainability.
The Ghana Poultry Day event have for the part years also help promote the nutritional and medicinal values of Ghanaian produced poultry, highlighting its lower toxin levels, reduced fat content, and higher Vitamin D. The event also educates the public on the benefits of consuming locally bred poultry including its anticancer properties and lower cholesterol levels.
Speaking at the launch and mini stakeholder meeting of the 4th Ghana Poultry Day, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted the critical role of patronage in overcoming challenges faced by Ghana’s poultry sector. She stated, “Encouraging Ghanaians to patronize Ghana produced poultry is crucial for the industry’s growth by this we do not only supports the economy by keeping money within the country but also creates jobs and reduces the outflow of foreign exchange used for imports.”
Ms.Akosa also urged Ghanaians to start domestic poultry rearing and home gardens to enhance food security.
Looking forward to the event, Ms Akosa mentioned that the upcoming Ghana Poultry Day, scheduled for July 1, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, will feature a dynamic program of activities including personality -advocate chef cooking competition; where MP’s, Footballers, Ambassadors, Queen mothers, media personalities, schools and women farmers will use our poultry product to prepare different recipes which will be shared to the public for free ,there will also be town hall discussions and Exhibitions.
Dr. Comfort Acheampong, Coordinator of the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat and Chairperson for the Ghana Poultry Day, stressed the importance of advocacy and promotion to strengthen Ghana’s poultry industry.
She explained, “We must collectively work to overcome the challenges facing our poultry sector through strategic advocacy and promotion. Our efforts should focus on creating awareness and encouraging the consumption of locally produced poultry products. This not only supports local farmers but also ensures that our economy benefits from reduced import dependence.”
Dr. Acheampong called upon stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to rally behind initiatives like the Ghana Poultry Day to strengthen the sector and increase the consumption of locally produced poultry products. She asserted, “With concerted effort, the industry can overcome its current challenges and thrive.”
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Bright Manye, Deputy Director for the Animal Production Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, emphasized the need for collective action. He pointed out, “The high cost of feed, which constitutes about 70% of production costs, makes it difficult for local farmers to achieve profitability. Any marginal change in feed prices significantly impacts the farmers’ bottom lines.”
Manye highlighted that in 2020, domestic chicken meat production in Ghana was around 40,000 metric tons, while imported chicken meat reached 150,000 metric tons. He noted, “Farmers also struggle with the costs of day-old chicks, vaccines, utilities, and the lack of quality processing facilities.”
He went on to discuss government initiatives aimed at tackling these challenges, such as the Livestock Development Project, the National Livestock Services Project, the Ghana Poultry Project, the Rearing for Food and Jobs Programme, and the Savannah Investment Programme. He mentioned, “One of the new initiatives, the West Africa Food System Resilience Project, aims to support anchor farmers in producing about 2 million broilers. Additionally, under the Planting for Food and Jobs II program, funding has been secured to produce 6 million birds, with more support anticipated through the Harnessing Agriculture Productivity and Prosperity for the Youth (HAPPY) Project.”
Manye concluded by emphasizing the potential of the poultry industry to create jobs and stimulate economic activities. “A thriving poultry industry can create jobs, particularly for women and youth, and stimulate economic activities,” he said. “This includes input supply, production, processing, marketing, and auxiliary services like husbandry, veterinary services, transportation, and equipment maintenance.”
Finally, Mr. Jones Aruna Nelson, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Agrihouse Foundation.
“Our collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation for the 4th Ghana Poultry Day highlights our dedication to promoting agriculture as a key driver for enhancing Ghana’s tourism industry. This initiative marks a new era of celebration, and we are excited that the conversation on Agri-Tourism has begun with the Ghana Tourism Authority through the Ghana Poultry Day. The celebration of Ghana Poultry Day perfectly aligns with our mission to promote Ghana’s cultural heritage. Events like these attract both local and international tourists, significantly boosting our tourism sector. “He remarked
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day is organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by various organizations, including the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Key sponsors include Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, 10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, and Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd, Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Project and Wilmar International.
Agrihouse Foundation invites poultry farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, students, stakeholders in the poultry value chain, and the general public to mark their calendars for July 1, 2024, at the Forecourt of the Statehouse and join in championing poultry excellence. The event will celebrate achievements, address challenges, and chart a course towards a thriving and sustainable poultry industry in Ghana
For more information and registration, please contact Deborah at 0541555606, Alberta at 0244623012, or click on the link to register: https://bit.ly/ghanapoultryfest2024.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 18, 2024 | Uncategorized
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.
