by Linda Boateng | Jul 3, 2024 | Uncategorized
At just 29 years old, Janat Issifu, from Sunyani in the Bono Region, founded Wan Hive Ghana to address the challenges faced by women in the agricultural value chain. Her organization supports women farmers by providing market linkage opportunities, identifying their challenges, and designing solutions, programs, and initiatives to empower and mentor them to increase their yields.
Wan Hive Ghana also connects women farmers to successful mentors, offering farmers crucial funding for necessary inputs such as cutlasses, hoes, Wellington boots, and fertilizers and also by linking them to markets, the organization helps prevent post-harvest losses.
Additionally, Wan Hive Ghana connects women farmers to manufacturing companies that add value to their produce. Currently, the organization is assisting some women farmers in registering and certifying their products for local and international markets.Janat’s motivation stems from her desire to empower women and generate interest in agriculture among the youth.According to her, she aims to change the perception that agriculture is only for the elderly by demonstrating its potential as a viable career path for young people. Her efforts have also created employment opportunities, with five permanent workers and three temporary workers currently employed at Wan Hive Ghana.”I believe in the potential of agriculture to transform lives and communities,” says Janat Issifu. “Through Wan Hive Ghana, we’re not just supporting farmers; we’re building a sustainable future for agriculture in Ghana.”she added
Despite the numerous successes, Janat faces challenges, particularly in accessing funding. However, her determination and dedication to her mission remain unwavering.
Janat Issifu has been nominated for the prestigious Princess Carla Awards at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards. Her tireless efforts in empowering women farmers and transforming the agricultural landscape have earned her this distinguished recognition.
“I thank Agrihouse Foundation for this incredible nominations and recognition ,” says Janat Issifu. “This nomination motivates me to continue my work and reinforces the importance of supporting women in agriculture.”
Agrihouse Foundation’s Production Team are presently traveling across all districts in the Bono Region, their mission is to document the remarkable achievements shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Bono Region , for the upcoming 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards, an annual rotational Regional intervention organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with global affairs Canada, captured the story of Janat.Travelling from district to district, Agrihouse Production Team seeks to capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success, showcasing the immense talent and achievement and hard work of these women farmers in the Eastern Region.Their efforts aim to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in shaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana has for the past six years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s quest to recognize, honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability.
The 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards, will take place on July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, women farmers, and advocates to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
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.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
Mr. Bright Manye, the Deputy Director for the Animal Production Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has emphasized that while the government is committed to addressing the challenges facing the poultry sector through various programs, governmental efforts alone will not suffice to overcome the existing hurdles.
Speaking at the launch of the 4th Ghana Poultry Day organized by the Agrihouse Foundation, Mr. Manye highlighted the difficulties Ghanaian poultry farmers face in competing with their international counterparts. “The high cost of feed, which constitutes about 70 percent of production costs, makes it difficult for local farmers to achieve profitability,” he noted. “Any marginal change in feed prices significantly impacts the farmers’ bottom lines.”
In 2020, domestic chicken meat production in Ghana was reported to be around 40,000 metric tons, while imported chicken meat reached a staggering 150,000 metric tons. Besides the high feed costs, farmers also struggle with the high costs of day-old chicks, vaccines, utilities, and the lack of quality processing facilities.
To address these issues, the Government has implemented several projects and programs, including 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. These initiatives aim to tackle the various challenges within the poultry sector.
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 some 6 million birds, with more support anticipated through the Harnessing Agriculture Productivity and Prosperity for the Youth (HAPPY) Project.
Mr. Manye underscored the potential of a vibrant poultry sector to create jobs, particularly for women and the youth, and to stimulate economic activities. “A thriving poultry industry could propel economic activities such as input supply, production, processing, and marketing,” he said. “Auxiliary services like husbandry and veterinary services, transportation, equipment repairs, and maintenance could also generate employment opportunities.”
Despite these efforts, Mr. Manye reiterated that collaboration between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders is crucial to effectively overcoming the challenges in the poultry sector.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
Madam Comfort Acheampong, the Coordinator of the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat and Chairperson for the Ghana Poultry Day, has emphasized the need for increased advocacy and promotion to fortify Ghana’s poultry industry.
Addressing attendees at the launch and mini stakeholder meeting for the upcoming 4th Ghana Poultry Day, Madam Acheampong acknowledged the hurdles faced by poultry farmers and industry players but urged a collective effort to overcome these challenges through strategic advocacy and promotion.
Madam Acheampong stated the economic significance of the poultry industry in Ghana, emphasizing its contribution to employment, income generation, and food security. She called upon stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to rally behind initiatives like the Ghana Poultry Day to help strengthen the sector, and increased consumption of locally produced poultry products.
The upcoming festival, scheduled for July 1, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, Under the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Poultry: Roast, Taste, and Nourish the Nation promises a grand celebration of Ghana’s rich poultry heritage. A highlight of the event will be a cooking competition featuring the culinary skills of influential personalities from various sectors, adding vibrancy to the festival and promoting local poultry products.
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.
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, 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 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, has emphasized the significance of going back to our domestic poultry rearing days and maintaining household gardens in contributing to food security in Ghana.
Speaking at the press launch and stakeholders’ meeting for the 4th Ghana Poultry Day on Wednesday, June 5, at the Ghana Tourist Center in Accra, Ms. Akosa highlighted how these time-tested practices aligns with the “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative which is crucial in fostering self-sufficiency and enhancing food security in the country.
She also added that whiles more focus have often been placed on the crops sector, it is crucial that we create a balance between the crop sector and livestock sector, she expressed that celebrating the poultry sector and promoting daily poultry consumption will help create career opportunities in agribusiness and contribute to a healthier population.
Ms. Akosa also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in boosting the poultry sector, citing Agrihouse Foundation’s collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority to promote Agri-tourism. She emphasized the role of poultry in balancing the crop and livestock sectors, positioning it as a key element for sectoral promotion.
The upcoming 4th Ghana Poultry Day , scheduled for July 1, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, promises a grand celebration of Ghana’s rich poultry heritage. A highlight of the event will be a cooking competition featuring the culinary skills of influential personalities from various sectors, adding vibrancy to the festival and promoting local poultry products.
Under the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Poultry: Roast, Taste, and Nourish the Nation,” Ms. Akosa emphasized the event’s goal of raising awareness about the benefits of consuming healthy local chicken and eggs. She stressed the nutritional and medicinal values of Ghanaian poultry and the importance of reducing imports while encouraging youth participation in the poultry sector.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day is organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by 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.
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, 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 10, 2024 | Press Release, Uncategorized
The Ghana Tourism Authority is this year partnering Agrihouse Foundation to organize the 4th Ghana Poultry Day, scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024 at the forecourt of the state house. This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing Agri-Tourism in Ghana, aligning with efforts to promote the nation’s agricultural sector.
Now in its fourth year, the Ghana Poultry Day, organized by Agrihouse Foundation stands as a beacon, celebrating Ghana’s poultry industry, with a focus on advocating for increased patronage and consumption of locally produced Poultry, while highlighting its nutritional and medicinal values.
Themed ‘‘Celebrating Diversity in Poultry: Roast, Taste, and Nourish the Nation,’’ the 4th Ghana Poultry Day aims to promote diversity within the poultry industry, highlighting the rich flavours, benefits, and breeds that contribute to nourishing the nation.
In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman expressed his excitement about this partnership, emphasizing its potential to drive growth and advancement across Ghana’s tourism and agricultural sectors.
‘‘Our collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation for the 4th Ghana Poultry Day underscores our dedication to promoting not only the entertainment sector but also recognizing agriculture as a pivotal force in advancing Ghana’s tourism sector,’’ remarked Mr. Agyeman.
‘‘This is a new era of celebration and we are happy that the conversation on Agri-Tourism has commenced with the Ghana Tourism Authority through the Ghana Poultry Day. The celebration of the Ghana poultry day perfectly aligns with our mission of promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage. Events like these attracts both local and international tourists, thereby boosting our tourism sector”, he added.
Expressing gratitude for the Ghana Tourism Authority’s support, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, highlighted the invaluable role of this partnership in realizing the vision of the Ghana Poultry Day.
‘‘With each passing year, the Ghana Poultry Day grows in significance, serving as a catalyst for positive change within the poultry industry and with this partnership we are proud to continue our mission of promoting growth, health, and sustainability in the poultry sector. This year, the event aims to further champion an advocacy drive, encouraging individuals to patronize, trade, and invest in Ghana’s poultry industry’’, said Miss Akosa.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day will feature a dynamic program of activities headlined by a personality-advocate chef cooking competition. Participants including MPs, Footballers, Ambassadors, Queen mothers, media personalities, schools, and women farmers will utilize locally sourced poultry to prepare different recipes, which will be shared to the public for free. Additionally, the event will host insightful town hall discussions, bringing together industry leaders to explore opportunities in the poultry sector and discuss strategies for driving investment through Agri-Tourism. There will also be an Exhibition; where stakeholders across the agricultural value chain and other industries will come together to showcase their products and services, forging new partnerships and driving economic growth.
Other partners on board supporting to champion and advocate for the declaration of July 1st as the Ghana Poultry Day includes World Initiative for SOY in Human Health (WISHH), Ghana National Egg Secretariat, Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, Amass Farms, Labianca, September Spices, Maphlix Trust Ghana limited, Agrogenics and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
As preparations for the 4th Ghana Poultry Day gain momentum, stakeholders are urged to join the conversation on scaling up Agri-Tourism in Ghana. Poultry farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, students, and all stakeholders within the poultry value chain are encouraged to participate actively.
For further information and registration, please contact Regina at 0241371179, Deborah at 0541555606, Alberta at 0244623012, or click the link to register: https://bit.ly/ghanapoultryfest2024.
