Women in Agribusiness Call for Financial Support Across Africa

HO—Women in agribusiness from across Africa convened in Ghana’s Volta Region to address the pressing challenges they face in the agricultural sector, with a focus on the critical need for financial support. The Agribusiness Week event brought together over 300 women to exchange insights and propose solutions for improving their productivity and advancing the role of women in agriculture.

Leading the call for change, Nana Adjoa A. Sifa, the lead representative of Guzakuza, highlighted that limited access to funding continues to be a significant barrier for women in agribusiness. She urged the government to establish dedicated funding mechanisms for women, emphasizing that agriculture remains the backbone of many African nations. “Without access to proper funding, women are unable to fully harness their potential, affecting productivity and food security,” Nana Adjoa stated, calling for increased financial allocation to empower women in the sector.

Dela Gadzanku, Chairman of the Volta, Eastern, and Oti Regions branch of the Association of Ghana Industries, also praised the contributions of women in agribusiness. He encouraged the government and other stakeholders to give greater recognition to women’s roles in agriculture, noting that women often match the efforts of their male counterparts and therefore deserve equal access to resources. Gadzanku expressed optimism that with adequate support, women could further boost agricultural productivity and contribute more significantly to the economy.

The conference also saw a passionate appeal from Mama Sename III, Paramount Queen Mother of the Mafi Traditional Area and Vice President of the Volta Region Queen Mothers Association. She called on landowners to make land accessible to women interested in farming, pointing out that land access remains a common barrier preventing women from expanding their agricultural projects.

Representing the Volta Regional Minister, Augustine Awity, the Volta Regional Coordinating Director, read a statement underscoring the importance of the conference in fostering connections among women in agriculture across Africa. Awity highlighted the event’s pivotal role in strengthening African food systems and announced that the conference would conclude with a ceremony in Accra, where outstanding female farmers will be recognized and awarded for their contributions to the sector.

The Agribusiness Week in the Volta Region serves as a platform not only to celebrate the efforts of women in agriculture but also to call for equitable financial support to empower them. With a united voice, women in agribusiness are advocating for resources that will enable them to thrive, drive food security, and contribute to sustainable economic growth across Africa. The conference’s theme, “Connecting Women, Connecting Africa’s Food Systems,” reflects the collective goal of empowering women to transform agricultural landscapes and boost productivity across the continent.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh