…Breaking barriers – women empowering the agricultural sector in Africa and beyond
For a very long time, anytime the phrase “women in agriculture” is mentioned, it connotes the gender inequalities in agriculture, peasant smallholder farmers, and market women in the agriculture space who are in dire need of opportunities in funding, skills building, tools and infrastructural support to excel and make a living farming.
However, this narrative, albeit true, has improved significantly in the last decade. Today, we want to celebrate the achievements of women in Agriculture and highlight their dynamic role in this essential industry by focusing on the gallant women leading in that space, breaking barriers, and using their unique positions to create lasting change.
One such inspiring example is the incredible work done by a women-led Oyster Agribusiness Ltd., which has several women at the top management level. In the last six years, Oyster has empowered more than 2,500 female smallholder farmers, enabling them to thrive in ways they once thought impossible.
This figure does not reflect the significant influence on male farmers or the groundbreaking gender equality initiative that Oyster has introduced to support women farmers in our operational regions.
Additionally, when Oyster launched the Annual Oyster Farmer Awards, it included the critical category of best female farmer to celebrate the work of female farmers. Moreover, the business’s financial structure is also led by women. The finance manager, who ensures that the business runs smoothly and that farmers are paid on time, is a woman breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Additionally, the business development manager, procurement manager, and women in various other leadership roles have shown resilience and determination in managing contracts, negotiating agreements, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
These women leaders have built a robust support system for smallholder farmers, offering them everything from seeds and fertilizers to the critical off-taker agreements that help ensure the farmers have a market for their produce.
Another backbone of agribusiness is a highly skilled team that includes four women agronomists in a six-member agronomy team. This team works tirelessly to ensure farmers receive the technical training they need to increase yields and improve quality.
These women are not just participating in agriculture but redefining what leadership looks like in the industry. They ensure timely grain deliveries to clients and strategically position agribusinesses for growth and sustainability. These roles are critical in ensuring the effectiveness of the agricultural value chain and the support of smallholder farmers, often the backbone of rural economies.
The role of women in transforming the agricultural sector in Ghana and beyond
In Ghana and across the globe, the valuable contributions of women in agriculture are frequently overlooked. Thankfully, this is shifting as an increasing number of women are taking on leadership roles and driving transformative projects.
This shift is not merely about representation; it’s about empowerment. The impact these women have on the lives of smallholder farmers is immeasurable. By providing farmers with the tools, resources, and support they need, productivity increases and livelihoods improve, creating a ripple effect in entire communities.
For example, the women-led Oyster Agribusiness has shown that gender equality in agriculture is a matter of social justice and economic progress. Women foster an environment where farmers can succeed by supporting smallholder farmers with access to markets, skills, and financial management.
This support allows farmers to build sustainable businesses, improve food security, and boost local economies. More importantly, it challenges the traditional view that women in agriculture are limited to household or informal roles, showing that women can also lead, negotiate, and excel in formal business settings.
In Ghana, where agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy, the importance of female leadership in the sector cannot be overstated. The success stories of women in agriculture inspire a new generation of girls and young women who see firsthand that they can take on leadership roles. These women demonstrate that agriculture, often seen as a male-dominated field, is open to women and can significantly benefit from their leadership.
By transforming their communities and establishing a blueprint for others to emulate, they are reshaping the future of agriculture, one contract, agreement, and negotiation at a time. They are making agriculture more inclusive, accessible, and resilient.
Their leadership paves the way for future generations of women to confidently enter the sector, knowing they can lead and innovate. Despite ongoing challenges, the achievements of women in agriculture illustrate our progress. These trailblazing women are not just commemorating International Women’s Day but are creating the conditions for future celebrations.
