The Country Manager for Yara Ghana Limited, Madam Theresa Randolph has called for collective action among the Government and Stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to overcome barriers to women in agribusiness.
Speaking at the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards, organized by Agrihouse Foundation in the Bono Region, Madam Randolph highlighted the undeniable importance of agribusiness to Ghana’s economy, contributing over 20% to the nation’s GDP.
She emphasized that agribusiness encompasses more than just farming; it involves the entire value chain, presenting significant opportunities for growth, poverty eradication, and climate change mitigation.
Despite the critical role of agribusiness, she acknowledged the numerous challenges farmers face in the sector. She pointed out that these challenges are even more pronounced for women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women in agribusiness, who often face additional hurdles such as lack of land ownership, limited access to finance, and restricted market opportunities.
She therefore called on the government to implement policies that ensure equal land rights for women and promote their access to financial services. According to her, legal reforms should be put in place to protect women’s property rights and facilitate their ownership of land and assets.
She also stressed the need to sustainably improve agricultural productivity to meet increasing demand, enhance the efficiency and resilience of food systems, and improve income opportunities in rural areas.
“Overcoming these barriers requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies. Stakeholders should work to improve women’s access to high-quality agricultural inputs and technologies.
Additionally, efforts should be made to connect women farmers with local and international markets, enabling them to achieve better prices for their produce. Providing women with education and training in modern agricultural practices, business management, and sustainable farming techniques is crucial. Extension services and capacity-building programs should be tailored to meet the specific needs of women,” she remarked.
“Empowering women in agribusiness is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and the broader economy.
By addressing the barriers that women face and creating an enabling environment for their full participation, we can unlock the potential of women farmers and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
All stakeholders must work together to support women in agriculture, ensuring that they have the resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive,” Randolph remarked.
Yara Ghana Limited has, for the past decade, been at the forefront of supporting agribusiness development, with a special focus on women and persons with disabilities.
Through partnerships in programs like WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards, and other agricultural value chain initiatives, Yara Ghana has worked to break barriers, create opportunities, and improve the efficiency of food systems by providing farmers with quality and efficient crop solutions and agronomic knowledge to increase yields and improve crop quality in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Country Manager also spotlighted Yara Ghana’s commitment to innovation and technology in agriculture, citing initiatives such as digital farming solutions and tailored agronomic training programs.
A notable example of Yara Ghana’s impactful initiatives is the recently concluded Grow Ghana Initiative.
Launched in response to the challenges faced by farmers due to the COVID-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war, which impacted access to affordable fertilizers, Yara International donated premium YaraMila Actyva fertilizer valued at USD 20 million to smallholder farmers in Ghana. This donation reduced their cost per acre by 33.3% and enhanced food system resilience.
Supported by partners such as AFAP, AGRA, and USAID, the Grow Ghana Initiative increased staple crop productivity, created jobs for over 500 youth, and provided vital agronomic knowledge to boost productivity.
The initiative not only improved agricultural productivity but also enhanced livelihoods and contributed to food security in Ghana. These efforts are geared towards breaking barriers and creating opportunities for farmers, particularly women.
Madam Randolph expressed pride in Yara Ghana’s collaboration with the Agrihouse Foundation for the past six years to organize the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards.
She recognized their shared commitment to supporting farmers towards sustainable agriculture and resilience. She urged all stakeholders to collaborate for a vibrant and inclusive agricultural sector benefiting farmers, communities, and the nation.
Adding her voice, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed profound gratitude for Yara Ghana’s steadfast partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation for the Women in Agricultural Training and Leadership Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards over the past six years.
“Yara Ghana 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.
Their continued support enables us to create opportunities for women to thrive in agriculture, contributing to Ghana’s economic growth and advancing gender equality,” Ms. Akosa remarked.
She elaborated on the importance of this collaboration, noting that the sustained partnership with Yara Ghana has enabled the foundation to expand its reach and impact.
“With Yara Ghana’s support, we have been able to provide training and resources to thousands of women farmers, helping them improve their productivity and livelihoods. This partnership has also allowed us to advocate more effectively for policy changes that benefit women in agriculture.”
Ms. Akosa highlighted some success stories from past awardees, showcasing how recognition and support have transformed their agricultural practices and lives. “These women are not just farmers; they are innovators, leaders, and role models in their communities. By sharing their stories and achievements, we inspire more women to pursue careers in agriculture and contribute to the nation’s food security.”
Ms. Akosa called for more stakeholders to join the cause, stressing that collective effort is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability. “We need more partners like Yara Ghana who are committed to making a difference. Together, we can overcome the barriers that women face and create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector,” she remarked.
