It said despite women's significant contributions to Ghana's agricultural development, they continue to face major challenges, including limited access to land, agricultural inputs, and participation in decision-making, hindering their progress in the sector.

Mr Matthias Berthold, Project Manager for Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH), said this during an event in Wa at the weekend to celebrate the International Women's Day (IWD).
Women farmers under the EUGAP participated in the event under the theme: "Women Empowerment: A Key to Sustainable Agriculture".

March 8 is marked annually as IWD to celebrate the achievements of women and a call for action to break barriers to their active participation in the national economy.

Mr Berthold urged stakeholders to "Commit to investing in women empowerment, closing the gender gap, and fostering a supportive environment where men actively enhance women's equality and break the barriers that limit women's full participation in sustainable agriculture."

Recognising these challenges, EUGAP is committed to breaking barriers and enhancing women's active participation in the agricultural value chain.

As part of its interventions, EUGAP provided business development training for women farmers, formed about 450 radio listenership groups with 14,000 farmers - about 80 per cent of members being women.

That was to offer information on good agricultural practices to bridge knowledge gaps and transition to sustainable farming methods.

The Programme also supported 250 women vegetable farmers with solar-powered irrigation systems to enable all year- round vegetable production.

Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray, the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, commended EUGAP's contributions to women's empowerment, particularly in northern Ghana.

She recognised women as the backbone of the country's agricultural sector and key drivers of micro and small-scale enterprises.
She reiterated the government's commitment to empowering women by implementing policies and programmes that promoted gender equality and sustainable development.

Ms Rashida Iddrisu of Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD) observed that investing in women not only improved their livelihoods but also strengthened agricultural value chains and enhanced food security.

She noted that WIAD with EUGAP's support, had introduced initiatives to empower women farmers and build resilient communities.
Some women farmers at the event shared their experiences, acknowledging EUGAP's impact on their farming and overall well-being.

They cited easy access to finance through EUGAP-facilitated Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), capacity building and improved access to farm inputs.
Additionally, they were introduced to Conservation Agriculture (CA) and handheld farming implements, such as planters, which had reduced their production cost and increased crop yields.

Four women farmer groups and two female Agricultural Extension Agents were awarded with citations in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the agricultural sector.