Five hundred women in the Savelugu municipality of Ghana's Northern Region have received agricultural tools and training. This initiative aims to equip them with digital literacy skills and branding techniques. The program, called 'She Grow', seeks to transform beneficiaries' lives and boost agricultural productivity.
This empowering initiative is a project of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Savelugu, Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz. Her Yooyili Pag-Dede Foundation runs the program. The women received adaptive tools and specialized training. This training covered high-value agricultural processing, animal and poultry management, and digital-based economic activities. The goal is to make women farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs more competitive.
This effort fits into Ghana's broader goal of agricultural transformation and economic diversification. Empowering women in agriculture is crucial for national food security and poverty reduction. Government policies often prioritize support for smallholder farmers, especially women, who form a large part of the agricultural workforce. Such initiatives complement these national strategies by directly addressing gaps in access to technology and markets.
MP Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz stated the initiative seeks to position Savelugu as a leading agricultural hub. She emphasized its focus on agribusiness, innovation, and value addition. This transformation includes women with disabilities and local livestock rearers. She sees them as central to the program's success. The initiative also aims to ensure women's hard work leads to sustainable economic growth. It will improve livelihoods through modern farming practices, technology, and market access.
The 'She Grow' initiative is expected to boost the local economy and improve women's financial independence. It will likely increase agricultural output and create new market opportunities for women-led businesses. Decision-makers will observe the program's impact on local employment and income levels. Its success could serve as a model for similar empowerment programs in other agricultural regions across Ghana. This focus on green economy practices also positions beneficiaries for future sustainable growth.
Deputy Minority Leader Mrs. Patricia Appiagyei highlighted the critical role of women in agriculture. She noted that women often lack access to land, credit, technology, and market opportunities. Mrs. Appiagyei urged women to embrace the green economy. This approach creates jobs, increases income, reduces poverty, and builds resilient communities. It also promotes climate-smart farming, protects natural resources, and improves soil health.
A beneficiary, Mma Sanatu Meidali Ayuba, thanked the MP for the support. She stated the initiative would boost their economic growth and empowerment. She also encouraged other women to embrace the green economy. Mma Sanatu appealed to the MP to continue the initiative to benefit more women in the future. The program's continuity will be vital for long-term sustainable impact.