Leaders in Africa’s agricultural sector have called for greater support for women in the food and agriculture sector to enhance food security and improve livelihoods.
Speaking at an event in Accra marking International Women’s Day, organized by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), they urged governments and other stakeholders to view support for women as a collective investment in securing the future of the African continent.
Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of Parliament’s Food and Agricultural Committee, emphasized the importance of addressing challenges faced by women in the agricultural value chain.
He noted that women make up 63% of actors in the agricultural sector, and their participation is hindered by entrepreneurship, capital, and institutional barriers.
“Let’s create market-driven support for entrepreneurship. Let’s be deliberate about how we create markets for our produce,” Dr. Jasaw stated.
Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa at FAO highlighted the need for “targeted financial products, capacity building, and mentorship programs tailored to the needs of women-led agribusinesses.”
He also stressed the importance of strengthening trade policies that enable women’s participation in both national and international trade.
“Let us continue to champion policies, partnerships, and investments that empower women, unleashing their full potential as catalysts towards a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood system transformation,” he added.
Several government officials were also present at the event.
Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, MP for Awutu Senya West and Deputy Minister Designate for Works and Housing noted that women are working tirelessly each day to support their families.
She stressed the need for enhanced support for their efforts.
Lydia Akanvariba, MP for Tempane and Minister of State for Public Sector Reform assured the audience of the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in leadership roles. “We will ensure 30% of women are represented at every level of the public service,” she said.
The AGRA-FAO event, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Transforming Trade: Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential,” sought to highlight the transformative role of women in driving intra-African trade and economic development.
AGRA President Alice Ruhweza spoke on the pivotal role women play in agriculture, noting that while 63% of women are involved in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, and they are responsible for 60-80% of food production, only 10% of the revenue from the sector reaches them.
“And they are not at the table when decisions are being made. Today, on Women’s Day, it’s time to make sure that women are at the decision-making table,” she emphasized.
Ruhweza also called on global leaders to address the issue of insecure land tenure.
“We need to ensure that women have land rights and access to tenure. Women must be at the table when agricultural policies are made, and the income disparity between men and women in agriculture needs to be addressed,” she added.
Dr. Betty Annan, AGRA Ghana Country Director, reiterated the crucial role women play in Africa’s food systems.
“Women are not just beneficiaries of Africa’s agricultural transformation; they are its architects. When we invest in them, we secure Africa’s food future,” she said.
Edith Akosah Wheatland, CEO of Rockland Farms, spoke about the challenges women in agriculture face, particularly with accessing finance and capital. “This is an area stakeholders need to address urgently,” she urged.
Paulina Addy, Director of Women in Agricultural Development at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, shared that the ministry has collaborated with various institutions, including the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), to expand financing opportunities for women.
She also highlighted the growing presence of local agricultural financing models, such as homegrown village savings and loans. “Scaling these projects up is the next level,” she stated.
Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), disclosed that a national steering committee has been established to ensure the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in agricultural initiatives, aiming for sustainable food systems.
The meeting also focused on improving access to markets for women farmers and agribusinesses.
Dr. Tsotetsi Makong of the Gender Unit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) highlighted the unique opportunity the AfCFTA presents for creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans by unlocking women’s potential in agriculture.
The event concluded with the launch of the 2025 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), an annual initiative by AGRA.
Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah, Director for Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness at AGRA, explained that the awards aim to celebrate, empower, and inspire women leaders in agribusiness.
The awards feature categories such as Female AgTech Innovator, Young Female Agripreneur, Resilient and Inspirational Leader, Women Empowerment Champion, and Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise. The ultimate winner will receive a $40,000 prize.
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