Nana Anane Sarah: Traditional Leader Transforming Agriculture and Empowering Community

Nana Anane Sarah: Traditional Leader Transforming Agriculture and Empowering Community

Nana Anane Sarah, a respected traditional leader in Seikwa, Tain District, has made remarkable strides in agriculture at the age of 62. Initially starting with 12 acres, she now manages a sprawling 75-acre farm where she cultivates maize, yam, mango, cassava, baobab trees, and raises poultry with 32 chickens. Transitioning from a teaching career, she discovered that farming offered greater profitability and satisfaction.

Her journey in farming began 20-25 years ago, during former President John Agyekum Kuffour’s tenure, when she received free baobab trees to plant on 18 acres. This initiative provided a significant boost, allowing her to sometimes export a full container of baobab trees to the market. Despite facing financial challenges, Nana Anane Sarah took a bank loan to invest in her farms, which has since turned into a thriving enterprise.

As a way of giving back to her community and fulfilling her role as a traditional leader, Nana Anane Sarah offers portions of her land to locals to cultivate. After the harvest, they share the produce, providing a sustainable means to improve the livelihoods of women in her community through agriculture. Her efforts exemplify how traditional leadership and innovative farming practices can drive community development and economic growth.

In recognition of her achievements, Nana Anane Sarah has been nominated for the Royal Agro Award at the upcoming Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th 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 Anane Sarah, 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.

For the past six years, the Gold in the Soil Awards have honored outstanding women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, and women across the entire agricultural value chain 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.

Nana Anane Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in agriculture. Her transition from teaching to farming, coupled with her efforts to uplift her community, highlights the significant impact of women in agriculture. Her nomination for the Royal Agro Award is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to Ghana’s agricultural sector and her commitment to community development.

Meet Vera Enyonam Osei Kwakye,A 43year old Farmer Revolutionizing Agriculture in the Bono Region

Meet Vera Enyonam Osei Kwakye,A 43year old Farmer Revolutionizing Agriculture in the Bono Region

Vera Enyonam Osei Kwakye, a 43-year-old farmer based in Sunyani, is revolutionizing agriculture with her 64-acre farm, cultivating vegetables, cocoa, and managing a 50,000-capacity fish pond. Inspired by her mother and driven by a passion for farming, Vera started this venture in 2012 with her late husband. Now, she employs 24 workers, collaborates with universities and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) for training, and supplies markets in Kumasi and Accra.

Despite challenges such as soil issues and storm damage, Vera remains resilient, determined to overcome hurdles and continue empowering her community. Her innovative approach and commitment to sustainable farming practices have set a benchmark in the agricultural sector.

In recognition of her achievements, Vera Enyonam Osei Kwakye has been nominated for the Change Champion Award at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th  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 Vera, 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.

For the past six years, the Gold in the Soil Awards have honored outstanding women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, and women across the entire agricultural value chain 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.

Empowering Women: Transforming Lives Through Agriculture

Empowering Women: Transforming Lives Through Agriculture

In Banda Nyire, Bono Region, Madam Mensah Comfort has transformed her family’s agricultural legacy into a source of success and community empowerment. Starting with 15 acres of cashew in 2015, she now manages an impressive 82 acres of cashew and a total of 180 acres of crops, including maize, yam, and groundnut, as well as poultry and livestock. Despite challenges such as lack of labor, fertilizer, and transportation, she seeks guidance from agricultural officers to continually improve her farm.

She is not only dedicated to her own success but also to empowering other women in her community. She has organized a group of 30 women, teaching them essential farming skills and helping them start their own agricultural ventures. Through her efforts, she supports her family and uplifts her community, showcasing the positive impact of hard work and dedication in agriculture.

In recognition of her achievements, she has been nominated for the Diamond In The Rough 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 Madam Mensah Comfort, 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.

For the past six years, the Gold in the Soil Awards have honored outstanding women farmers, farmers with disabilities, processors, and women across the entire agricultural value chain 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.

Madam Mensah Comfort’s story is a powerful example of resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. Her journey from starting with 15 acres of cashew to managing a diverse and expansive farm, while also empowering other women, highlights the significant contributions women can make to agriculture. Her nomination for the Diamond In The Rough Award is a testament to her impact on her community and the agricultural sector in Ghana.

Agriculture is a Lucrative Venture: Gold in the Soil Award Nominee Encourages Youth

Agriculture is a Lucrative Venture: Gold in the Soil Award Nominee Encourages Youth

Madam Vida Korang, a dedicated 52-year-old mango farmer from Domesua, has cultivated an impressive 15 acres of mango trees. Her produce is supplied to renowned companies such as Blue Skies, HPW, and Bomat Limited, where the mangoes are processed into juice. Vida’s passion for farming was ignited by her early experiences working alongside her father, and she has since built a successful agricultural enterprise.

However, Vida’s journey is not without its challenges. One of the significant hurdles she faces is the threat of Bacterial Black Spot (BBS), a disease that can devastate her mango trees. The chemicals required to treat BBS are expensive, making it difficult for her to purchase them regularly. Additionally, theft poses a substantial problem, with thieves sometimes stealing ripe mangoes and causing significant losses.

Despite these obstacles, Vida remains steadfast in her commitment to her mango farm, continuously striving to overcome these challenges. Her resilience and dedication are a testament to her passion for farming and her determination to succeed.

In recognition of her achievements, Vida Korang has been nominated for the prestigious Gold in the Soil 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 Vida, 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 have for the past six years  honored  outstanding women farmers ,farmers  with disabilities, processors and women across the entire agricultural value chain  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.

her  story is a powerful example of resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. Her journey from working with her father to managing a successful mango farm despite numerous challenges inspires many in her community and beyond. Her nomination for the Gold in the Soil Award highlights her significant contributions to Ghana’s agricultural sector and her unwavering commitment to overcoming obstacles in pursuit of her passion.

Reflecting on her journey, she  advises the youth to consider a career in agriculture, emphasizing its potential for success and fulfillment. “Agriculture is a very lucrative venture,” she says. “It provides not only a means of livelihood but also a way to contribute to the community and the economy. I encourage young people to venture into farming and explore the vast opportunities it offers.”

Royalty and Agriculture: A Queen Mother’s Journey to Farming Success

Royalty and Agriculture: A Queen Mother’s Journey to Farming Success

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.

Disability is Not Inability

Disability is Not Inability

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.