The Western Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr. Patrick Akowuah has commended the role of women in the agriculture value chain and called on institutions and individuals to give them the needed support to increase yields and sustain food security in the country.
“Women, both the abled and physically challenged are found in the processing, transporting, and sales of most of the agricultural products and also have the capacity to manage and curb excessive post-harvest losses,” Mr. Akowuah said.
He said the need for more assistance in terms of loans and access to land to sustain and advance the growth of agriculture in the country. “Now that the youth are not venturing into the sector, let’s motivate the aged who are into farming to sustain food security in the country.”
The Director was speaking during the launch of the Gold in the Soil Award organised by Agrihouse, an agro-based non-governmental organization for women in agriculture.
Mr. Samuel Tutu, who represented the Western Regional Minister at the Launch was happy that such a move would enhance, recognize and support women’s contributions in the agricultural sector.
Applauding the organisers of the award scheme, Mr. Tutu added that “I am happy that women are supporting their fellow women in this direction”.
Executive Director for the Agrihouse, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa revealed at the launch that about 80 entries have been received from Western and Western North Regions so far.
Ms. Maribel Okine, the Western Regional Director of the Department of Gender noted how such an economic empowerment agenda would help to promote gender parity as well as alleviate poverty among women in particular.
Mr. William Henry Fordjour, An Agriculture Director for the Western North Region said it was a lucrative avenue when the right sciences, technology, and applications were observed.
Such entries she said would be scrutinised to meet lay down criteria after which capacity building would be organized followed by the awards on June 22 and 23 this year.