The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu has hinted that providing women in the agricultural sector with information, technology, and access to finance would allow them to take part in family and community decision-making and effectively contribute their quota to the growth of the country.
She said this during the first-ever ‘Women in Agribusiness Summit 2023’ hosted by the ‘USAID – supported Feed the Future on Wednesday in Accra.
She claims that the Ghanaian government is aware of the value of agriculture to the country’s economy and has undertaken a number of landmark initiatives to help farmers and agribusinesses succeed.
“Some of these programmes she said include Planting for Food and Jobs, Youth in Agriculture among others,” she added.
She urged the private sector, especially financial institutions, to support the government’s efforts to help women in agribusiness and expressed the Ministry’s willingness to work with the USAID-supported Feed the Future Ghana initiative to ensure that women are successful participants in the industry.
“Women make up almost 50% of our country’s population, we cannot make progress when half of the country is at a constant economic and social disadvantage. As a government, we are poised to ensure that no one is left behind in our struggle for gender equity, economic transformation, and national development.”
In her remarks, Kimberly Rosen, Mission Director for USAID Ghana, said, “We know that empowering women in agribusiness is the key to unlocking their full potential. That’s why the U.S. Government has supported Ghanaian agribusinesses through USAID and Feed the Future with over $192.9 million in financing for more than 25,000 agribusinesses, over half of which are women-led and women-owned.
This increases agricultural productivity and improves food security in Ghana.
The event showcased investment opportunities in Ghanaian agribusinesses led by women and connected women entrepreneurs to investors for financing.
The event, hosted by the USAID-supported Feed the Future Ghana Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (MFA) Activity, focused on empowering women in agriculture through enhanced access to finance. It brought together agribusinesses, transaction advisors, investors, financial institutions, U.S. and Ghana government representatives, non-governmental organizations, trade associations, research institutions, civil society groups and the media.
Feed the Future is also U.S. Government’s initiative to end global hunger. Led by USAID and driven by collaborative partnerships across public and private sectors, including 11 U.S. Government agencies, Feed the Future addresses the root causes of poverty and hunger. This is done by boosting inclusive agriculture-led economic growth, resilience, and nutrition in countries with great need and opportunity for improvement.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
