The West African Regional Director of YARA, Mr. Danquah Addo-Yobo, has underscored the resilience and incredible achievements of the seventeen (17) women farmers with disabilities who have been nominated for ‘Gold in the Soil Awards,’ this year.
He said while their presence in the awards scheme and at the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) will serve as encouragement for more women with physical challenges, their contributions to the country’s agricultural sector is sending a strong message about their potentials.
In line with this, he said YARA is particularly looking forward to empowering the three hundred (300) women farmers who will be at this year’s event, with new business practices and skills, to help them recover, grow and standout.
As a leader in the fertilizer production and distribution space, and an organization committed to knowledge sharing, he said YARA would be playing key roles in the practical training and mentoring sessions, as it does annually with the women.
“The platforms continues to provide our experts and agronomists opportunities to impact the women with knowledge on best farming and agronomic practices. We are looking forward to the mentorship sessions, to give the women best recommendations on fertilizers for the right crops, how to use them to ensure great yield and profitability,” he said.
WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, he noted, provides a unique and strategic platform for stakeholders in the value chain to present successful modules, agribusiness ideas and practices to corporate and development partners, as well as individuals, who continue to have doubts about the profitability of agriculture.
“We are looking forward to the event creating more value chain partnerships and support systems, so that the participants will not only go back with farming knowledge, but also find market opportunities and collaborations for their agric produce and products.”
He congratulated all the forty-five (45) women farmers who have been shortlisted for the ‘Gold in the Soil Awards,’ and encouraged them to continue excelling in their chosen areas within the country’s agricultural value chain.
For her part, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, revealed, this year’s ‘Gold in the Soil Awards’ received a total of eight-two (82) nominations this year from the Western and Western North region.
She said for the first time in four years the, ‘Super Woman Farmer Award Category’ committed to recognizing the exceptional efforts of Ghanaian women farmers with disabilities received significant entries; indicating a positive representation of the Foundations efforts over past 3 years.
Ten-year-old Esther Ofori is receiving an honorary recognition and support for her passion for agriculture, in spite of her physical challenges. Esther resides in Dzatokrom, in the Sewti Wiawso District of the Western North region.
In her ‘Gold in the Soil awards’ documentary, Esther reveals she cultivates a two-acre maize and yam farm. She shares with Agrihouse Foundation the challenges of living with a disability in a deprived community. While the documentary calls for support for Esther, it highlights her dedication towards farming and her education.
According to Ms. Akosa Sarpong, Agrihouse Foundation is immensely touched by the super-human abilities of the ten-year-old farmer, and to honor her potentials, the ‘Super Girl Farmer Award Category’ has been created especially for her.
Highlighting the remaining categories of the awards, she revealed Passion for Farm category, which goes to a woman excited and passionate about agribusiness and contributing to the growth of her community, received 17% of the total entries.
She said the Foundation is also paying close attention to women operating in the areas of climate smart farming, (CLIMATE SMART CATEGORY), the Lady of the Region Export Award Category and the “She-Operator Award Category”, which has over the years received the lowest entries, with only 2.5% of total women submitting entries this year.
This is an indication that, there is more room for improvement and some more work to do, and as a Foundation, we are looking forward to working, more closely with both the Private and Public institutions, development Partners and related agencies, to upgrade knowledge of women in agriculture, to enhance productivity, growth and expansion.
The remaining award categories, including Royal Agro Award, She Innovates, Outstanding Women in Extension Services, and Diamond in the rough Award, all received encouraging entries, between 10 to 18% nominations.
The Feed to Foods Awards, Star Woman Agripreneur Award, Princess Carla and Change Champion Award, all pulled off average numbers, between 8 to 10% nominations.
“Generally, we are satisfied with the balanced representation in the remaining categories; as well as the number of women farmers and Agribusinesses represented in this year’s nominations,” Ms. Akosa Sarpong said.
The ultimate Award, The Gold in the Soil Award received strong seven nominations, including 2 from women farmers with disabilities. Over the last 3 years, the Award has been given to an outstanding woman in agriculture, producing along the entire agricultural value chain, from production through to processing, branding and marketing, among others. Importantly, her agribusiness should be making recognizable impacts on her community. Last year Madam Portia Asumda, from Zangeyire in the Upper East Region won the category.
This year, the two-part event is set to take place on Wednesday, June 22 and Thursday, June 23, at the Akroma Plaza Hotel in the Western Region, Takoradi, on the theme, “AGRIWOMAN: RECOVER- GROW- STAND OUT.”
Annually, the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards moves from region to region, with the aim of empowering and celebrating the exceptional efforts of women in agriculture across the Regions.
In the past three (3) years, the two-part event has been held in the Volta Region, Ashanti Region, Upper East and West Regions. While the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum has developed and strengthened the capacities of over 2000 women in Agribusiness, by exposing them to more innovative approaches of handling their agribusinesses; the Gold in the Soil Awards has received about 638 entries, and awarded 45 agriwomen under the various categories.
The event also brings together stakeholders in government, policy and administration, development-partner organisations, Research, FBOs, Agric institutions, and resource persons, who support in the capacity building, training and mentorship sessions. The trainers and mentors empower the women with business knowledge and industry innovations, to help women excel in the sector.
This year, Global Affairs Canada, YARA, RDF Ghana, ABSA, OCP AFRICA, and Fidelity Bank are corporate sponsors the event.
Collaborating Institution include the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD), the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG) and the Western Regional Coordinating Council.
Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong has noted that, this year’s Gold in the Soil Awards, has for the 1st time in four (4) years, received over 17 entries from women with disabilities, primarily from the Western and Western North Regions of Ghana.
Ms. Akosa Sarpong made this revelation at a Press Launch of the 4th women in Food and Agric leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards, held yesterday, at the Office of the Western Regional Minister, in the Western Region.
According to her, this is very positive and represents our efforts over past 3 years, to encourage and push for an all-inclusive approach, to build and inspire more women farmers with disabilities come out and be at the frontline, in building community agriculture.
In total, 82 entries have been received for the 16 categories, under the Gold in the Soil Awards, which is slated to hold on the 22nd and 23rd of June, 2022 at the Akroma Plaza Hotel, in Takoradi.
The Passion for Farm category, which goes to a woman excited and passionate about agribusiness and contributing to the growth of her community, received 17% of the total entries. Majority of the women who submitted entries for this very category are women farmers, in Sefwi Wiawso, Amenfi West, Jomoro Municipal, Wasa East, Shama Essumankrom, and Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal. They fall within ages 20 to 60 and cultivating a farmland of between 5arces to 35 acres.
The Foundation, she said, will also be paying close attention to women operating in the areas of climate smart farming, (CLIMATE SMART CATEGORY), the Lady of the Region Export Award Category and the “She-Operator Award Category”, which has over the years received the lowest entries, with only 2.5% of total women submitting entries this year.
This is an indication that, there is more room for improvement and some more work to do, and as a Foundation, we are looking forward to working, more closely with both the Private and Public institutions, development Partners and related agencies, to upgrade knowledge of women in agriculture, to enhance productivity, growth and expansion.
The remaining award categories, including Royal Agro Award, She Innovates, Outstanding Women in Extension Services, and Diamond in the rough Award, all received encouraging entries, between 10 to 18% nominations.
The Feed to Foods Awards, Star Woman Agripreneur Award, Princess Carla and Change Champion Award, all pulled off average numbers, between 8 to 10% nominations.
“Generally, we are satisfied with the balanced representation in the remaining categories; as well as the number of women farmers and Agribusinesses represented in this year’s nominations,” Ms. Akosa Sarpong said.
The ultimate Award, The Gold in the Soil Award received strong seven nominations, including 2 from women farmers with disabilities. Over the last 3 years, the Award has been given to an outstanding woman in agriculture, producing along the entire agricultural value chain, from production through to processing, branding and marketing, among others. Importantly, her agribusiness should be making recognizable impacts on her community.
Last year Madam Portia Asumda, from Zangeyire in the Upper East Region won the category. She has been farming for the past eight years.
She is into shea-processing and crop production, and rearing of livestock. She works with over about two thousand agri-women across upper-east, west and the Tansi district. Under her leadership and coordination, they are able to process their sheabutter, which for some years now; they have had opportunity to start exporting to countries like the USA and Canada.
As the ultimate winner, Portia Asumda, took home a brand new tricycle, with support from the Canadian Embassy, to aid with transportation. She also received a Gold in the Soil Award plague, fertilizer bags provided by Yara Ghana, an irrigation pump, provided by Interplast and Peg Solar. She received a certificate of honor, a full piece of cloth and branded T-shirts from all the sponsors of the event.
For his part, the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, in a speech read on his behalf praised Agrihouse Foundation for instituting the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, which he described a laudable initiative.
He said the Western region was ready to host the main two-day event, come 22nd and 23rd June, and further explore the partnership and networking opportunities the event has to offer the women farmers of both the Western and Western-North region.
Annually, the Gold in the Soil Awards moves from region to region, with the aim of celebrating, empowering, building data of women in agric, across the Regions, mentoring and increasing the participation of women in agribusiness. The award scheme has over the years, recognized the efforts of exceptional agriwomen whose contributions are significantly influencing the growth and sustainability of the country’s agricultural sector.
Their inspiring stories are featured in a documentary series produced by Agrihouse Foundation, to serve as motivation and encouragement for other women who desire to venture into the sector.
In the last 3 years, the event has been held in the Volta Region, Ashanti Region, Upper East and West Regions. About 638 women have submitted entries, with 45 of them, receiving Awards under the various categories
The Gold in the Soil Awards is also part of the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC). The two-part event, since inception, has brought together, over 2000 women in agriculture, and stakeholders in government, policy and administration, development-partner organisations, Research, FBOs, Agric institutions, and resource persons, who support in the capacity building, training and mentorship sessions.
In the past three years, WOFAGRIC and the GOLD in the Soil Awards has developed and strengthened women in Agribusiness and exposed them to different and more recent approaches in handling their agribusinesses. It has nurtured and recognized the agribusiness community, where the sharing of business knowledge and industry innovations is at the forefront of helping women excel in the sector.
RDF Ghana, YARA, Fidelity Bank, ABSA Bank and Global Affairs Canada are corporate sponsors this year’s event.
Collaborating Institution include the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD) and the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG) and the Western Regional Coordinating Council.
The Patron of the annual Agricultural Students’ Career Guidance & Mentorship Dialogue-Bootcamp (AGSTUD Africa), Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman- Rawlings, has reiterated the need for more policy directions that strategically feed into the committed efforts of young Ghanaians working hard to build careers within the country’s agricultural sector.
Hon. Zanetor Agyeman- Rawlings, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency, has noted that prioritizing support, and the empowerment of young people who have the passion and drive to contribute significantly to the country’s agricultural sector, is the way to go.
The Member of Parliament is expected to lead an Agri-Ted Mentorship Session, with over seventy (70) agricultural students and beginner agribusinesses, as part of the opening event activities, of the annual Agricultural Students’ Career Guidance & Mentorship Dialogue-Bootcamp (AGSTUD Africa).
Her mentorship session is expected to shape the mindset of the participants, on how best they can work together to establish the future and lay a strong foundation for a sustained Agriculture empire.
A release by Agrihouse Foundation, reveals the Agricultural students career guidance and mentorship dialogue, has for the past four(4) years, supported over 750 beneficiaries to appreciate the agric value chain opportunities, leading them to set-up beginner agribusinesses in both the crop and livestock value chain. Other beneficiaries have also ventured into processing of agric produce, including pepper, ginger, pineapple, watermelon, yoghurt and mushrooms, whiles the remaining are also serving as Agricultural Trainers and others, have also gained employment with reputable Agric institutions.
Ms Alberta Nana Akyaa Sarpong, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation
According to the Executive Director of the Agrihouse Foundation, this year’s Bootcamp, which opens on Monday, March 28 to Friday, April 1, 2022 has thirty schools participating, and this goes a long way to prove the significant impacts the Bootcamp is playing in shaping a career paths for the youth.
We started with only eight schools in 2018, and seeing the progress, the impact and the number of beneficiaries is exciting and fulfilling, she added.
Participating schools for this year’s Bootcamp includes, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, All Nations University, Ghana Christian University College, Methodist University, University of Energy and Natural resources, University for Development Studies, GH Media School, and Landmark University- Nigeria.
Others include, Fair River Agric Institute, Labone Senior High School, O’Reilly Senior High School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Accra Girls Senior High School, Accra Academy High School, Ashesi University, and Adidome Agric Institute.
The rest are Asuansi Farm Institute, Damango Agric College, Ejura Agric College, Kwadaso Agric College, Wenchi Farm Institute, Ohawu Agric College, Veterinary College, Northern Youth Hub, Ashaiman Senior High School, Ngleshi Amanfro Senior High School, and Animal Health Institute.
Touching on activities lined-up for the five (5) day Bootcamp, Ms. Akosa Sarpong said, the outlined daily activities, would see the campers, being mentored, coached and trained to shape their ideas into workable agribusiness plans. They would afterwards be supported with seed capitals and inputs, to enable them kick-start their businesses.
The Day one will commence at the Jubilee House, with H.E., the Vice President leading a mentorship session on the theme, “Digitalization-The Enabler, The Game Changer, and The future for the Agri-Youth.”
Other mentors, who will speak alongside His Excellency, include the Chairman of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners’ Association of Ghana, (NFFAWAG), Mr. Nene Davies, Country Manager of OCP Africa, Mr. Samuel Oduro-Asare, Human Resource Director of Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Lawoetey Tettey, and representatives from the Ghana Investment Promotions Centre, and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).
Sponsors of this year’s event include ADB, OCP, Broad-spectrum, GIPC, Nanam Ventures, Mobraz, Demeter, Kofi Venyo and Bdiet
We are excited about the opportunities this year’s AG-STUD presents, the choices it will guide the campers to make and the path to take in realizing and growing a future in Agribusiness, with a focus on digitalization, Alberta noted.
His Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia will be hosting and leading an Agri-Ted mentorship session, with seventy (70) agricultural students and beginner agribusinesses, as part of the opening event activities, of the annual Agricultural Students’ Career Guidance & Mentorship Dialogue-Bootcamp (AGSTUD Africa).
The Vice President will be speaking and mentoring on the Theme; “Digitalization-The Enabler, The Game Changer, and The future for the Agri-Youth“, at the Jubilee House on March 28, 2022.
With increasing discussions on Ghana, becoming one of the most digitized economies in Africa, the Vice President’s mentorship session is expected to give in-depth understanding and appreciation of the digital trends, and how it can influence career paths of the mentees, in the field of Agribusiness, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong believes.
She noted that, the Vice President is widely recognized as a passionate promoter of digitalization and his presentation will further motivate and shape the mindsets of the mentees to develop an interest in carving an Agribusiness- digitalization future. It will also delve into investing in sustainable agriculture, government’s policies and programs in place for young Ghanaians who are into, or interested in the agric sector.
We are hopeful he will further inspire the young people with stories from his childhood, academic experiences and career choices that have guided his path. She added.
Started in 2018, the Agricultural Students Career Guidance and mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD), has since inception, camped, trained, mentored, enabled and directly supported 750 beneficiaries to establish various Agribusinesses.
Indirectly, about twelve thousand (12000) non-campers have equally benefitted from the mentoring, coaching, Competence-Based Training and Corporate Field Tours the Bootcamp offers.
Presently, some alumni’s have established about seventy-three (73) thriving agribusinesses.
Young James Elikem Brown, a past student of English Amanfrom SHS who was part of the Bootcamp last year, is currently cultivating a successful pineapple farm. James went into value addition after the Bootcamp, and has now registered his fruit juice company with the Food and Drugs Authority. Together with some University Graduates, he is working on a project aimed at encouraging more young people to venture into the agricultural sector.
Obed Asamoah was part of the 2019 Cohorts. He was assisted with a seed capital of Gh500 to start his mushroom farm. Within two years Obed has scaled up his production and currently supplies to African Shops in the US and UK on order. He also trains an average of 40 students each semester in Mushroom production. He also serves as a trainer at the Livestock, Poultry, Fisheries Training and Tradeshow. Obed, a natural-born leader got his skills harnessed at the Bootcamp. Through dint of hard work, he has earned a scholarship to pursue graduate studies in Asia.
This year, the 70 students-campers will be from Ejura Agric College, Kwadaso, Damango, Ohaw, Wenchi, Fair River, Asuanzi, Animal Health, Adidome and College of Agric and Environmental Studies. Others include Central University, Methodist University, Ghana Christian College, University of Ghana, UCC, Catholic University, Northern Youth hub, University of Energy and Natural resources and Ashesi University.
Touching on the activities lined-up for the five(5) day Bootcamp, Ms. Akosa Sarpong said, the outlined daily agenda is aimed at getting the campers to work in, and as Teams, develop their art of public speaking, negotiating abilities and presentation skills.
The activities outlined will also get them to further explore their creative and wear their innovative hats, which is expected to assist them identify challenges and propose solutions, in line with the overall Theme AG-STUD.
For the 5-day period, a number of mentors, coaches, speakers and trainers from various organizations, including ADB, OCP, MOFA, GIPC, FDA, Nanam Ventures, Mobraz, HD+ , Sonal Global, Kofi Venyo, Bdiet and NPRA among others.
They will also equip, coach, train and guide the campers through the thematic focuses on Communication, E-Agric, Food Safety Management principles, attractive and limitless investment Agric opportunities , digital marketing, financial proposal development, Do’s and Dont’s in building an Agribusiness and saving the agri-future through talents and creativity and many more.
There will also be morning Disciplinary and Keep fit drills, in partnership with Blue Skies and other innovative fun-related activities within their 5-day period.
We are excited about the opportunities this year’s AG-STUD presents, the choices it will guide the campers to make and the path to take in realizing and growing a future in Agribusiness, with a focus on digitalization.
The youth of today has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that, we can drive an agenda, push a project, implement an idea, when given the needed motivation, mentorship, encouragement, the necessary tools, resources , we should be able to deliver, and that is exactly what we are delivering at this year’s AG-STUD AFRICA, Alberta concluded.
The Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp, have over the years been supported by ADB, OCP, Mybarnes, CDF Canada.
Agrihouse Foundation, in partnership with the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat (GNECS), Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC), AWIA-African Women in Agribusiness and African Women in Animal Resources, and Agribusiness Network (AWARFA-N), will commemorate International Women’s Day with the theme, ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.’
The celebration, expected to take place on Tuesday, March 8, in Accra, at the Korle- Klotey Municipal Assembly (Obra Spot) — Circle, would shine light on the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Ghanaian women, with a call to action for accelerated women’s equality.
Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong
In a press statement, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong said, it is always a good time to celebrate the achievements of women, especially, the growth, successes and sustainable efforts of women working within the country’s agricultural spaces.
She said Ghanaian women continue to prove to be the backbone of the country with their resilience and incredible contributions in the fields of agriculture, academia, business, politics, education, medicine, among others.
“Agrihouse prioritizes the cultural and socio-economic empowerment of our women in agriculture. Our interventional projects including the Agriwoman Marketplace, the Gathering of the Royals, WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards; 1 Household, 1 Garden, are all geared towards providing marketing, exhibitions, networking, training and capacity building opportunities for women working in the agric space,” she noted.
As part of activities to mark the day, she said Agrihouse would be holding the 10th edition of ‘Agriwoman Marketplace’ at the Obra Spot, alongside the launch of the 3rd Anniversary of Women in Agriculture (AWIA), and launch of ‘Eggstra O Campaign,’ being implemented by Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat (GNECS), American Soybean Association (ASA) and World initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH).
The Director of the Department of Social Welfare will be Chairperson for the event, whereas Madam Louise Paris, Counsellor Development, Canadian High Commission, who would deliver the keynote address. Representatives of Ecobank, Ozeand the Food, drugs Authority and Peoples Persons Scheme would make short presentations. AWIA would be leading the group to visit selected maternity, antenatal and post-natal clinics to donate some hospital equipment and use the opportunity to educate the women on the importance of consuming eggs.
President of Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat (GNECS), Madam Comfort Kyerewaa Acheampong, said women are an integral part of national development and deserve to be acknowledged for their immense contributions. She said eggs are nutritious whole meals for all ages and encouraged parents to feed their children a lot of egg meals.
Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC), said the poultry sector is unfortunately beset with many challenges and thus, expressed the hope that this year’s International Women’s Day Celebrations would highlight these concerns, with concrete measures to support women poultry farmers in the country.
African Women in Agribusiness and African Women in Animal Resources (AWIA), called for more collaborative efforts and partnerships among Agriwomen in the country, as a sure way to ensure more growth and productivity among women within the agric value chain.
Agribusiness Network (AWARFA-N), said women in leadership positions, especially within the agricultural sector should be underestimated, and therefore expressed the hope that issues such as inequalities in the land tenure system, poor road networks to and from farmlands, lack of capital and high interest rates of banks, poor market and inadequate processing centres would be highlighted during the celebrations.
With regards to ‘Agriwoman Marketplace,’ whiles commemorating International Women’s Day, the event would also throw light on the ‘International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste,’ commemorated globally on September 29, to reiterate the need to reduce food losses and wastage. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), since 2014, the number of people affected by hunger has been rising steadily; emphasizing that, the issues of Post-harvest Loss is a major cause of hunger and starvation in around the globe.
“Agrihouse would therefore be leading the commemoration of the day in September, to call attention to the issue of post-harvest losses, which is a big challenge in the agricultural sector. As stakeholders in the agric sector, I hope we can all mark the date and use it as an opportunity to rally more support for our women in agriculture,” she said.
Since March last year, ‘Agriwoman Marketplace’ has fully supported and empowered over 200 women led agribusinesses with a vibrant platform that allows them to network, exhibit and sell their produces as a way of helping them to recover fully from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event has created networking opportunities for agri-women, which has led to increase in their sales, with a number of them securing major deals with local and international companies that purchase raw and semi-processed agricultural produce.
For the upcoming 10th edition, about a hundred and fifteen (115) women-led agribusinesses have already registered for the event. They include women into vegetable production, yam and tuber farming, grains and cereals. Others are also into processing groundnut paste, shea butter, Moringa, neem, coconut, castor oils, whiles the rest are into food, IT, finance, communications and marketing services.
“It promises to be a fun filled day event with activities like Musical Chairs, All Day Exhibitions and Food Bazaar. There would be Grills, Eggs, Chicken, Pork, Rabbit, and Fish sausages on sale, with music and lively interactions. I would encourage everyone to be there; come have fun and support our women in agriculture with your purchases,” Alberta said.
Fifty (50) queen mothers, together with representatives from Academia, policy, Government, development agencies and Agric institutions, will be converging at the GNAT Conference Hall – Accra, to explore further opportunities within the agric sector, as well as conflict resolutions alternatives towards Peace-building, and the development of sustainable farmers in the country.
An initiative of Agrihouse Foundation, the developmental-Influencing event, which has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feburary 22, 2022, is on the theme, “The Role of Royals in Accelerating Agri-Peace and Developing Sustainable Farmers”.
In a press statement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, described GATHERING OF THE ROYALS, as a much-needed intervention, that will contribute significantly to policy direction, assist in structuring appropriate approaches, practices, systems and innovations for a sustained agricultural value and growth, from the community level to the top level.
She said, the focused interractive event, will also make room for royals, traditional authorities, community leaders and corporate leaders, to digest issues pertaining to food security and self-sufficiency, which can further help to stabilize and sustain farmers at the community levels.
“We are positive by the end of the event, we would have contributed to creating a sustainable working relationships, that strengthen collaborative efforts between our corporate bodies, stakeholders and traditional leaderships,” she said.
As part of the half-day event, there will be a Panel conversation, which will see eight (8) queen-mothers from Bono East, West-North, Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Oti, Upper East, Upper West and Greater Accra region, elaborate on Agricultural development initiatives they are championing in their various clans and districts. The challenges and modules that are proving successful and how working with relevant stakeholders can add to the social and economic impacts they are making in their regions, districts and communities.
The Queen Mothers will have an interrupted session to discuss major concerns hindering the growth and sustainability of women farmers in their districts and communities. They are expected to touch on concerns such as; inappropriate farming methods and practices and it effect on growth, access to funds, ready market; warehouse, storage facilities, cost of transportation at supply and delivery points.
They will also touch on issues relating to Fulani Herdsmen, Elephant Invasion, Illegal Small scale – farming, child trafficking, lands, child labour, FDA certification, operations of Agric input dealers, machinery and equipment, Irrigation systems, over reiliance on rains and other related issues, influencing resilience building and stability of farmers and farming activities.
The event will also allow for feedback and input from present participants on solution-oriented measures that can positively influence Agricultural growth, enhance livelihoods and contribute to food security within their respective communities.
“At the end of the event, we are expecting to have come-up with workable solutions and built a closer working relationship between traditional authorities, corporate bodies, Academia, development partners, Government agencies, among others. We believe, we would have also assisted to project ground issues, that could direct and inform policy, Alberta emphasized.
The Royals presents an opportunity for Traditional leaders to work closely with governments, businesses, development partners, academia and civil society to galvanize sound policies, actions and leadership that will enable transformations required to create inclusive, resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems that deliver for people, planet and prosperity.
The event creates an atmosphere for productive and healthy conversations to take place, among traditional leaders, selected parliamentarians, development partners and the corporative institutions, to ignite collaborations in strategic areas for high impacts, and provide practical, realistic and achievable solutions for Peace and Agri-development,” she emphasized.
It is also expected to highlight the wealth of our natural resources, the large, young and growing Agri-population; the potentials and the right opportunities for Agri-business growth and development, whiles drilling down into the key issues, with case studies focusing on our Regional Agricultural strengths and serve as a networking opportunity for agric stakeholders, whiles celebrating the many dynamic efforts of our traditional leaders.
The Gathering of Royals event has over the last 3 years, been held as part of the Women in Food and Agric Leadership Training Forum and the Gold in the Soil Awards, which is annually sponsored by the Canadian High Commission, Yara Ghana, ABSA, OCP and RDF Ghana LBG.
The 1st was held in the Volta Region, 2nd in the Ashanti Region and 3rd in the Upper East Region.
It is being held as an independent event, for the 4th time, here in the Greater Accra Region.
