Madam Candace Holt, the Second Secretary for global affairs Canada, emphasized the importance of increasing women’s representation in the agricultural sector over the next five years.
During the sixth Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards, organized by Agrihouse Foundation in the Bono Region, Madam. Holt underscored the vital role women play in agriculture and highlighted Global Affairs Canada’s commitment to promoting gender equality in the sector.
She noted that empowering women in agriculture is not only essential for achieving sustainable development goals but also for enhancing food security and economic growth.
“Women are the backbone of many agricultural communities, and their increased participation is crucial for the advancement of the sector. By providing them with the necessary resources, training, and support, we can ensure that they play a more prominent role in driving agricultural innovation and sustainability. “We hope to see more women representation in the agriculture sector in the next five years,”
Ms. Holt highlighted several key areas where increased support and investment are needed to boost women’s participation in agriculture. These included access to land and financial resources, education and training programs, and the development of gender-sensitive policies.
“Access to resources and training is fundamental for women to succeed in agriculture,” Ms. Holt stated. “We need to break down the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the sector. This includes addressing issues related to land ownership, financial inclusion, and ensuring that women have access to the latest agricultural technologies and practices.”
we anticipate the impact of the government of Ghana’s new agriculture and local development policies and programs on spurring private-sector led growth and opportunities citing that, these will open up for women farmers and agribusinesses.
For Canada’s part, we recognize the importance of the full participation of women in economic decision making and we remain committed to help improve opportunities for women through our partnerships in Agrihouse Foundation’s women in food and agricultural leadership training forum and gold in the soil awards. she concluded.
Adding her voice, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture. “Our mission is to create an enabling environment where women can thrive and lead in the agricultural sector,” she said. “We are dedicated to providing women with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to transform their communities and contribute to national development.”
The call for increased women’s representation in agriculture comes at a time when the sector is undergoing significant changes. With challenges such as climate change, market access, and technological advancements, there is a growing recognition of the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive approaches to ensure the sector’s sustainability.
The Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards is part of Agrihouse Foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower women in agriculture. The Foundation’s programs focus on capacity building, advocacy, and creating opportunities for women to excel in the agricultural value chain.
The forum and awards ceremony, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors, served as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in agriculture. The event celebrated the achievements of women farmers and provided a space for sharing best practices and innovative solutions.
Farmers with disabilities have called for the implementation of inclusive policies and increased support from government and benevolent organization during a disability dialogue at the sixth Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards organized by Agrihouse Foundation.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for farmers with disabilities to share their experiences and advocate for changes that would enable them to fully participate in and contribute to the agricultural sector. the farmers with disabilities emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment that acknowledges their abilities and provides the necessary resources for them to thrive.
During the dialogue, several key issues were highlighted. These included the lack of accessible farming equipment, limited access to financial resources, and the need for training programs tailored to the needs of disabled farmers. Participants also called for the establishment of networks and support groups that can provide mutual assistance and advocacy.
“We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for equal opportunities,” stated one of the farmers. “Inclusive policies and support systems are essential to ensure that we can work effectively and sustainably in agriculture. We need access to training, affordable tools, and technologies that cater to our specific needs.”
The dialogue was a significant part of the broader Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum, which aims to empower women in the agricultural sector. The forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards celebrate the achievements of women farmers and highlight the importance of their contributions to food security and agricultural development in Ghana.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in agriculture.
“Our mission is to ensure that no one is left behind in the agricultural sector,” she stated. “We recognize the incredible potential of farmers with disabilities and are dedicated to providing them with the support they need to succeed.”
Agrihouse Foundation is known for its innovative programs that support farmers across Ghana, focusing on capacity building, advocacy, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The organization has been at the forefront of efforts to create more inclusive agricultural policies and practices.
The call for inclusive policies and support for farmers with disabilities is timely, as the agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, access to markets, and the need for technological advancements. By addressing the specific needs of disabled farmers, the sector can become more resilient and inclusive.
The event concluded with recommendations aimed at policymakers, agricultural organizations, and the private sector. These included the development of accessible farming technologies, increased funding for disability-inclusive agricultural programs, and the creation of partnerships between disabled farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
The Country Manager for Yara Ghana Limited, Madam Theresa Randolph, has called for collective action among the Government and Stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to overcome barriers to women in agribusiness.
Speaking at the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards, organized by Agrihouse Foundation in the Bono Region, Madam Randolph highlighted the undeniable importance of agribusiness to Ghana’s economy, contributing over 20% to the nation’s GDP. She emphasized that agribusiness encompasses more than just farming; it involves the entire value chain, presenting significant opportunities for growth, poverty eradication, and climate change mitigation.
Despite the critical role of agribusiness, she acknowledged the numerous challenges farmers face in the sector. She pointed out that these challenges are even more pronounced for women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women in agribusiness, who often face additional hurdles such as lack of land ownership, limited access to finance, and restricted market opportunities.
She therefore called on the government to implement policies that ensure equal land rights for women and promote their access to financial services. According to her, legal reforms should be put in place to protect women’s property rights and facilitate their ownership of land and assets.
She also stressed the need to sustainably improve agricultural productivity to meet increasing demand, enhance the efficiency and resilience of food systems, and improve income opportunities in rural areas.
“Overcoming these barriers requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies. Stakeholders should work to improve women’s access to high-quality agricultural inputs and technologies.
Additionally, efforts should be made to connect women farmers with local and international markets, enabling them to achieve better prices for their produce. Providing women with education and training in modern agricultural practices, business management, and sustainable farming techniques is crucial. Extension services and capacity-building programs should be tailored to meet the specific needs of women,” she remarked.
“Empowering women in agribusiness is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and the broader economy.
By addressing the barriers that women face and creating an enabling environment for their full participation, we can unlock the potential of women farmers and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
All stakeholders must work together to support women in agriculture, ensuring that they have the resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive,” Randolph remarked.
Yara Ghana Limited has, for the past decade, been at the forefront of supporting agribusiness development, with a special focus on women and persons with disabilities.
Through partnerships in programs like WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards, and other agricultural value chain initiatives, Yara Ghana has worked to break barriers, create opportunities, and improve the efficiency of food systems by providing farmers with quality and efficient crop solutions and agronomic knowledge to increase yields and improve crop quality in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Country Manager also spotlighted Yara Ghana’s commitment to innovation and technology in agriculture, citing initiatives such as digital farming solutions and tailored agronomic training programs.
A notable example of Yara Ghana’s impactful initiatives is the recently concluded Grow Ghana Initiative.
Launched in response to the challenges faced by farmers due to the COVID-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war, which impacted access to affordable fertilizers, Yara International donated premium YaraMila Actyva fertilizer valued at USD 20 million to smallholder farmers in Ghana. This donation reduced their cost per acre by 33.3% and enhanced food system resilience.
Supported by partners such as AFAP, AGRA, and USAID, the Grow Ghana Initiative increased staple crop productivity, created jobs for over 500 youth, and provided vital agronomic knowledge to boost productivity.
The initiative not only improved agricultural productivity but also enhanced livelihoods and contributed to food security in Ghana. These efforts are geared towards breaking barriers and creating opportunities for farmers, particularly women.
Madam Randolph expressed pride in Yara Ghana’s collaboration with the Agrihouse Foundation for the past six years to organize the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards.
She recognized their shared commitment to supporting farmers towards sustainable agriculture and resilience. She urged all stakeholders to collaborate for a vibrant and inclusive agricultural sector benefiting farmers, communities, and the nation.
Adding her voice, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed profound gratitude for Yara Ghana’s steadfast partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation for the Women in Agricultural Training and Leadership Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards over the past six years.
“Yara Ghana has been instrumental in advancing the status of women in agriculture in Ghana through the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and The Gold in The Soil Awards.
Their continued support enables us to create opportunities for women to thrive in agriculture, contributing to Ghana’s economic growth and advancing gender equality,” Ms. Akosa remarked.
She elaborated on the importance of this collaboration, noting that the sustained partnership with Yara Ghana has enabled the foundation to expand its reach and impact.
“With Yara Ghana’s support, we have been able to provide training and resources to thousands of women farmers, helping them improve their productivity and livelihoods. This partnership has also allowed us to advocate more effectively for policy changes that benefit women in agriculture.”
Ms. Akosa highlighted some success stories from past awardees, showcasing how recognition and support have transformed their agricultural practices and lives. “These women are not just farmers; they are innovators, leaders, and role models in their communities. By sharing their stories and achievements, we inspire more women to pursue careers in agriculture and contribute to the nation’s food security.”
Ms. Akosa called for more stakeholders to join the cause, stressing that collective effort is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability. “We need more partners like Yara Ghana who are committed to making a difference. Together, we can overcome the barriers that women face and create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector,” she remarked.
About Yara GhanaYara Ghana Limited was established in 2007 to strengthen the quality and depth of input supply and related services along agricultural value chains in the country. Yara Ghana’s key focus has been on providing Ghanaian farmers with knowledge, crop nutrition solutions, and digital technologies that can help them improve their yields and quality in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
The Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Justina Owusu-Banahene, have called on the government, private sectors, stakeholders, and relevant parties to implement decisive mechanisms that supports women in agribusiness.
Delivering the keynote address at the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards. Held from July 9th to 10th, 2024, at the Sunyani Technical University, in the Bono Region, under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women in Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders. “She emphasized the critical need for collective efforts to create a supportive environment for women in the agricultural sector.
“Empowering women in agribusiness is not just about equality; it’s about driving economic development,” stated Hon. Owusu-Banahene. “Women are the backbone of every economy, driving growth and sustainability. By empowering them, we ensure a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.”
Highlighting the role of cultural leaders and queen mothers, she urged them to use their influence in inspiring young women to pursue careers in agribusiness by actively mentoring and instilling the passion for agriculture among the youth, emphasizing the importance of securing land for women’s ventures.
In conclusion, she called on financial institutions to support women in agribusiness by providing accessible and affordable credit facilities. These resources, she emphasized, are crucial for enabling women to scale their operations, invest in modern technologies, and ultimately improve productivity in the sector.
The Country Representative for the American Soybean Association (ASA) through the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Program, Madam Harriet Agyekum, has called for increased efficiency in the poultry sector to improve food security in Ghana.
Speaking on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the 4th Ghana Poultry Day organized by Agrihouse Foundation, she highlighted that optimizing efficiency in poultry production is essential to meeting the growing demand for poultry products within the country.
“Efficiency improvements in the poultry sector not only bolster food security by increasing local production but also contribute to economic stability and sustainability,” she stated.
She further highlighted the significant impact of WISHH’s initiatives on the poultry sector. According to her the program has grown the poultry sector’s production capacity, trained thousands of industry professionals on best management practices, helped producers and processors apply new post-harvest storage techniques to their existing operations, and connected supply chain partners to financial institutions, adding that ,there are ongoing efforts to collaborate with local leaders and supply chain partners in Ghana with the aim of building a robust networks, enhance production capacities, and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the poultry sector.
“Our initiatives focus on equipping industry professionals with best management practices, introducing new post-harvest storage techniques, and facilitating access to financial resources for poultry producers. WISHH seeks to position soyabean as a reliable protein source while supporting Ghana’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported poultry products,” she emphasized.
She however commended Agrihouse Foundation for their dedicated efforts in promoting the poultry sector in Ghana, noting their pivotal role in organizing events like the Ghana Poultry Day. “Agrihouse Foundation’s commitment to fostering dialogue and innovation within the poultry industry is commendable. Their initiatives have been instrumental in advancing agricultural practices and fostering partnerships that benefit the entire sector,” she remarked.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day was Organized by Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by key entities including the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the event drew support from prominent sponsors such as Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, Wilmar International, 10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd, Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Project, and Wilmar Africa .
