Contribution of women in agriculture value chain acknowledged

An event to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of women in agriculture has been held at Binaba in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region. 

The event which is being  be spearheaded by USAID ADVANCE program, an NGO,  highlighted  the role of women in agriculture value chain as part of effort to commemorate this year’s International Women’s’ Day Celebration, which fell on March, 8.

 USAID ADVANCE is a five year project that sought to scale up agricultural investment to improve the competitiveness of maize, rice and soya bean chains with the aim to improving food security among the rural communities of Northern Ghana. 

The project among other interventions also seek to increase competitiveness in the domestic markets. Correspondent Isaac Asare has more for Radio Ghana.

Chief of Binaba, Naba Moses Apea

Section of women out-growers at the event

Report

 This year’s International Women’s day, IWD, which is celebrated under the global theme: Make It Happen’ seeks to create the needed awareness to encourage the implementation of actions for advancing the cause of women by acknowledging their effort. 

The contribution of women in agriculture in Northern Ghana cannot be glossed over. It is for this reason that USAID ADVANCE has taken the initiative to recognize their role in ensuring food security in the country.

 In 2013, USAID ADVANCE program marked the International Women’s Day at Gindanbou, in the Upper West Region with the view to make their contribution in the production of food known. 

In attendance were small holder farmers, input dealers, aggregators as well as male and female out growers among other actors.

 Last year, USAID ADVANCE under its ADVANCE I program engage female out growers in Tamale to commemorate the IWD. 

The occasion was used to share ideas and experiences with the aim of raising awareness on the economic benefit of bringing women together to provide them with support services.  

This year, the Binaba community was chosen for the celebration of the IWD under an adopted theme: Women: making it happen in Agriculture”. 

The event which was captured under ADVANCE II showcased the work the project is undertaking to enhance women empowerment and economic development. 

It also highlights the progress women were making in the area of agriculture.

 The key objective of this year’s event is to deepen awareness on the contribution of Women actors in the agriculture sector. 

It moreover sought to increase engagement between female farmers, community leaders and value chain actors.  Madam Ayisha Mickey is the Gender Desk Advisor of USAID ADVANCE. 

She was of the conviction that if women are given the opportunities along the value chain, they stand to benefit from their contribution.

During a forum, the Chief of Binaba, Naba Moses Apea,  shared some succes stories on the support given to farmers in under his term as a nucleus farmer.

As part of activities to commemorate the day, a quiz was organized for out-grower groups to test their knowledge on financial literacy, agronomic practices as well as environment and pesticide use.

 A cooking contest was also held as part of effort to promote healthy and delicious meals made with soya. 

Women who demonstrated evidence of adopting improved practices were awarded with spraying machines and boxes of key soap among others.