A new project, the Women in Agribusiness for Growth and Empowerment (WAGE), will train women in cashew processing. This three-year initiative aims to transform women from seasonal farm labourers into successful agribusiness owners. It will target higher-value activities beyond simple harvesting.
Agrico Hub is leading the WAGE project, with support from Plan International and local partners. The project addresses a key weakness in Ghana's cashew industry. Women play a large role in harvesting but earn little, often working only three to six months yearly. The WAGE project will equip women, youth, and people with disabilities with skills for sustainable agribusiness.
This intervention comes as Ghana seeks to add more value to its agricultural exports. Currently, less than 10% of Ghana's harvested cashews are processed within the country. This means Ghana loses significant value from processing, packaging, and branding that happens abroad. Developing local processing helps Ghana keep more money from its cashew trade.
Agrico Hub Chief Executive Officer George Antwi Boasiako stated the initiative aims to create year-round economic chances. He explained that empowering women in processing and business development will improve household income. It will also strengthen Ghana's local agro-processing industry. This move supports Ghana's goal of retaining more value from its agricultural commodities.
The project will train beneficiaries in profitable activities like cashew nut processing, packaging, and marketing. Higher profits in the cashew industry come after harvesting, from processing and branding. By supporting women in these steps, WAGE seeks to turn farming into business ownership. The project will also promote commercial use of the cashew apple. This is an overlooked by-product that can become juice, jam, or animal feed, creating extra income. The Regional Director of Agriculture, James Adu, called WAGE a critical intervention. He said it addresses weaknesses in Ghana's cashew value chain and will boost local processing.
Ghana's agricultural sector struggles with limited value addition across many crops. Exporting raw commodities brings foreign money but creates fewer jobs and less income domestically. Raising local processing above the current 10% level would greatly benefit Ghana's economy. It would generate more jobs in handling, sorting, roasting, packaging, and retail. This shift from temporary labour to structured enterprise development is vital for boosting rural incomes and economic growth. The WAGE project is a step towards achieving this important national economic goal.