by Linda Boateng | Jul 5, 2024 | News
Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I, the esteemed queen mother of Jaman South in the Bono Region, has redefined her life and community through farming. At 53 years old, she manages a remarkable agricultural enterprise in Chiraa, Bono Region, encompassing 25 acres of maize, 6 acres of cassava, 1 acre of plantain, and 5 acres of coconut. Additionally, she oversees a thriving poultry farm with 1,500 birds and a piggery housing 80 pigs.
Nana Yaa’s journey into agriculture began after a challenging period as a trader in Accra. Seeking a new path, she returned to Chiraa and embraced farming, which has since provided her with a sustainable livelihood and significantly improved her quality of life. Her dedication and hard work have enabled her to construct a seven-bedroom house for herself and her children, as well as a four-bedroom house for her farm workers. This transformation underscores the potential of agriculture to create substantial wealth and uplift families.
Through her farming success, she has also supported her child’s education, who is currently pursuing university studies. Looking ahead, she envisions further growth and expansion of her farming operations. Currently employing four people, she aims to increase her workforce to meet the farm’s expanding needs. With a clear vision and unwavering determination, Nana Yaa continues to be a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of agriculture and its capacity to foster economic growth and community development in the Bono Region.
In recognition of her achievements, Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I has been nominated for the Royal Agro Award at the upcoming Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC). The event, scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, underscores the importance of empowering individuals like Nana Yaa, who play a crucial role in agricultural development. Themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” this event will gather over 600 participants for discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.The Gold in the Soil Awards will honor outstanding women farmers and individuals with disabilities who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s agricultural sector. Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, the event emphasizes the pivotal role of women farmers and individuals with disabilities in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 5, 2024 | Press Release
Global Affairs Canada have partnered with Agrihouse Foundation for the sixth (6) year in a role for the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards, scheduled for July 9th to 10th, 2024 in Sunyani in the Bono Region with the aim of continuously advancing and empowering women farmers, farmers with disabilities and women across the entire agricultural value chain in Ghana.
In her statement, Madam Candace Holt, the Second Secretary of Development for Global Affairs Canada, emphasized that their continues support for Agrihouse Foundation’s Women In Food And Agricultural Leadership Training Forum And Gold In The Soil Awards aligns with their Feminist International Assistance Policy, which recognizes that when women achieve their full economic potential, whether as farmers ,agricultural producers, employees, entrepreneurs, or business leaders, the economy thrives, benefiting more people.
“We believe that women are critical to the sustainability and growth of Ghana’s agriculture sector and the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards provide a crucial platform to recognize and celebrate women farmers and those with disabilities who have overcome challenges and made significant contributions to Ghana’s development and that is what Global Affairs Canada is about ‘’. she remarked
Highlighting the impact of this partnership on Ghana’s agricultural sector, Ms. Holt noted that there have been a significant increase in empowerment and self-reliance among women for the past 6years ,enabling them to achieve higher levels of financial autonomy, invest in land, expand agro-processing activities, and sustain their families, even during off-seasons which has also contributed to advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 which seeks to promote gender equality by addressing barriers to women’s economic empowerment.
it is however important to continue to draw attention to the significant work that women farmers do at all point along the agricultural value chains, and the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards has offered a consistent and far-reaching platform to get that message across’’ she concluded
Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed profound gratitude for Global Affairs Canada’s steadfast partnership over the past six years. “Global Affairs Canada 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.” Ms. Akosa emphasized.
“Their continued support enables us to create opportunities for women to thrive in agriculture, contributing to Ghana’s economic growth and advancing gender equality.”The annual regional intervention have for the past six years been held in the Volta, Ashanti, Western, Western North, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions benefiting over 8,000 women farmers, processors, and farmers with disabilities, processors ,agriprenuers and women across the entire agricultural value chain by providing them with the resources, training, mentorship ,networking ,and recognition they need to thrive in the agricultural sector and also fostering leadership, innovation, and inclusivity,
The two-day event, to be hosted at the Sunyani Technical University in the Bono Region, on Tuesday July 9th to Wednesday July 10th 2024 under the them OVERCOMING The Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders. “will feature over six hundred (600) women farmers, processors, agriprenuers, famers with disability and women across the entire agricultural value chain engaging in activities such as break-out panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions. These components will empower participants to gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and forge collaborations that have the potential to reshape the future of agriculture in Ghana.
One of the highlights will be the prestigious Gold in the Soil Awards, recognizing exceptional women farmers and women with disabilities, processors, agriprenuers and women in the entire agricultural value chain who have made remarkable contributions to the agricultural industry.
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 and the newly introduced Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year category and the Supportive Agri-Man Award
As Agrihouse Foundation and Global Affairs Canada continues its journey towards agricultural transformation, the role of women farmers and women with disabilities cannot be overstated. Their resilience, expertise, and determination are integral to ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering economic growth.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 5, 2024 | News
Elizabeth Sevor, a 36-year-old farmer from Daadom in the Bono region, is a beacon of strength and determination. Despite her disability, Elizabeth has transformed her six-acre farm into a thriving enterprise, growing plantain, cassava, maize, and okro.
Faced with the challenge of having no assistance, Elizabeth chose farming over begging. Her life took a turn when a generous woman in her village gifted her a piece of land. This land became her lifeline, enabling her to support her four children through sheer hard work. Elizabeth’s story is not just one of personal success but also a source of inspiration to other disabled individuals, encouraging them to find meaningful work and support their families.
Her journey from living in unfinished houses to becoming a successful farmer is a testament to her resilience and determination. Elizabeth’s life is a powerful reminder that being disabled does not mean being unable. She continuously motivates other disabled individuals, proving that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their goals. Her life story is a shining example of hope, demonstrating that anyone can overcome challenges with the right mindset.
Elizabeth has been nominated for the Super Woman Farmer Award by Agrihouse Foundation for the Gold in the Soil Awards, which seeks to recognize individuals like her who exemplify dedication to supporting and empowering women in agriculture.
The upcoming Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC), slated for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, underscores the importance of empowering individuals like Elizabeth, who play a crucial role in agricultural development. Themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” this event will gather over 600 participants for discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.
The Gold in the Soil Awards will honor outstanding women farmers and individuals with disabilities who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s agricultural sector. Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, the event emphasizes the pivotal role of women farmers and individuals with disabilities in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
Elizabeth Sevor’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that disability is not inability. Her remarkable journey is an inspiration to all, showcasing the incredible potential within each individual to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
Isaac Yeboah, a 44-year-old farmer from Chiraa, has emerged as a key figure in local agriculture, particularly in piggery production. Despite not having had formal education, Isaac’s passion for farming has driven him to empower women in his community and make significant contributions to the agricultural sector.
His journey into agriculture began with rearing goats, sheep, and guinea fowl. Over time, he transitioned to full-time piggery production, where he found his niche. Recognizing the potential of farming to transform lives, Isaac has been actively mentoring women in his community, guiding them through the intricacies of piggery production—from husbandry practices to optimizing feed for healthy pig growth.
According to him, he sees farming as a very profitable venture, because It has helped him, especially since I couldn’t attend school. Farming motivates me to strive for a better life for myself and my child.”
“I have helped a lot of women in my community venture into piggery production,” Isaac proudly shares. “Training them on the various processes involved has been fulfilling, knowing it contributes to their livelihoods.”
Isaac has been nominated for the Supportive Agri-Man Award, a newly introduced category by Agrihouse Foundation, For the Gold In The Soil Awards which seeks to recognize individuals like Isaac who exemplify dedication to supporting and empowering women in agriculture.
The upcoming Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC), slated for July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, underscores the importance of empowering individuals like Isaac who play a crucial role in agricultural development. Themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” this event will gather over 600 participants for discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.
The Gold in the Soil Awards will honor outstanding women farmers and individuals with disabilities who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s agricultural sector. Supported by Agrihouse Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and Yara, the event emphasizes the pivotal role of women farmers and individuals with disabilities in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 4, 2024 | News
Boahemaa Ruth, a 38-year-old farmer from Kwabenkrakrom Dormaa West, has been nominated for the prestigious Diamond in the Rough Award at Agrihouse Foundation’s the 6th Agrihouse Foundation’s 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, this event celebrates the resilience, innovation, and contributions of women in agriculture across Ghana.
Boahemaa’s journey into farming began two decades ago at the young age of 18. Starting with plantain and cocoa, she expanded her agricultural ventures to include a diverse range of crops such as rice, vegetables, maize, onion, pepper, tomatoes, mango, avocado, and palm trees. Today, she cultivates a total of 10 acres, dedicating 5 acres specifically to rice farming.
The path to successful rice cultivation is fraught with challenges. From the meticulous process of seed planting to protecting young seedlings from birds and pests, every step demands unwavering attention. The application of fertilizers must be precisely timed to ensure healthy growth, and climate change introduces unpredictable elements that can drastically affect yields. Adequate water supply is crucial, as rice is a water-intensive crop.
Despite these challenges, Boahemaa has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation. She once managed to produce 20 bags of rice independently but now employs a more strategic approach under the guidance of an agricultural master and supervisor. This has allowed her to maintain productivity and manage her resources more effectively. However, issues like low local rice prices and the lack of modern machinery for efficient processing continue to pose significant obstacles, increasing labor costs and reducing overall efficiency.
Boahemaa’s ingenuity is evident in her unique solutions to these challenges. She barters her homemade palm soup in exchange for labor, ensuring she has the necessary help to manage her farm. This creative approach not only sustains her farming operations but also strengthens community bonds. Her dedication to farming and her ability to find innovative solutions exemplify the resilience needed to thrive in agriculture.
The WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards aim to address such challenges by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to over 8,000 women across the agricultural value chain. This year’s event, themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” will feature over 600 participants engaged in breakout panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions.
A highlight of the event will be the Gold in the Soil Awards, honoring exceptional women farmers and those with disabilities whose contributions have made a significant impact on the agricultural industry. The continued efforts of Agrihouse Foundation, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and Yara, emphasize the critical role of women farmers and those with disabilities in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and driving economic growth.
