CARE International Ghana honours women farmers for resilience and contribution to food security

CARE International Ghana has recognised the dedication and achievements of 18 women farmers during the 2024 Farmers’ Day celebrations, honouring their resilience and role in promoting food security across the country. 

The honourees are part of CARE’s various initiatives, including the “Promoting a Sustainable and Food Secured World Project III” (PROSPER III) funded by Cargill, the “Cocoa Sustainability Initiative” (CSI), and the USAID-backed “Agricultural Governance, Resilience and Economic Empowerment” (AGREE) programme.

Drawn from the Assin South District, Assin Central Municipal, Adansi South, Atwima Mponua District, Bekwai Municipal, Talensi, and the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District, the women received certificates, personal protective equipment, bags of fertilisers, cutlasses, and knapsack sprayers. This recognition underscores their contributions within Ghana’s cocoa-growing communities and highlights the critical role of women in sustainable farming.

Speaking at the Farmers’ Day event in Adansi South, Emelia Mahama, Women Economic Empowerment Technical Specialist for PROSPER III, lauded the women’s achievements and emphasised the importance of empowering women in agriculture. 

“This is a testament to the need to build more resilient communities through sustainable farming practices and stronger financial independence for women,” she stated, crediting these gains to collaborative efforts with local and national stakeholders.

Since its inception in 2016, the PROSPER III project has aimed to uplift farmers within cocoa communities in the Western, Western North, Ashanti, and Central Regions. By providing training in financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and access to resources, CARE has bolstered women’s leadership in these communities. 

Notably, women’s representation in leadership roles has surged from 27percent to 60percent, with access to financial services improving by over 40percent.

Ms. Dorcas Osei, a farmer and leader from Bayerebon No. 3, expressed gratitude for CARE’s training and support, noting how the project has transformed her livelihood and empowered women to make meaningful contributions to their communities. “This project has not only transformed my livelihood but has empowered many women here to make meaningful contributions to our families and communities,” she said. "This recognition encourages us as women to continue to work hard to make farming profitable and attractive, especially for other women.”

Atwima Mponua’s District Agricultural Director, Mr Farouk, praised the awardees and commended CARE International’s support, emphasising that the initiative not only uplifts individual women but also strengthens entire communities. “The awards amplify our appreciation of our farmers while demonstrating our commitment to a robust agricultural community,” he said.

In a show of continued support, CARE International Ghana plans a special recognition event for these award-winning women farmers in early 2025, aiming to inspire and motivate further contributions to food security. 

CARE International has been present in Ghana for over 30 years, working alongside women and girls in areas including health, education, food security, and economic development, reaching millions through impactful programmes worldwide.