Background / Context

Across rural Ghana, women farmers play a central role in food production but face systemic barriers to land, training, and markets. Their contributions are often undervalued, with profits controlled by men. As a result, women remain financially insecure despite being key to household food supply. Climate pressures and limited market access further exacerbate challenges. Supporting women in agribusiness was essential to strengthen livelihoods and food security.

Objectives

To empower women farmers with training, resources, and market linkages, boosting productivity, incomes, and gender equality in agriculture.

Approach

One Africa Foundation organised training for 300 women in poultry rearing, vegetable farming, and pest management. Participants received starter kits (chicks, seeds, feed, and tools) and ongoing mentorship from agricultural extension officers. Farmer groups were established to pool resources, share knowledge, and strengthen bargaining power. Partnerships linked women to local markets, hotels, and school feeding programs, ensuring steady demand. Financial literacy workshops helped women reinvest profits in their farms.

Impact / Outcomes

Household incomes rose by an average of 40% within the first year. Families reported improved nutrition through access to eggs and vegetables. Women gained social standing, with several taking leadership roles in cooperatives and local committees. The program created ripple effects, as empowered women mentored others in their communities. Collective savings groups formed, reinvesting earnings in expansion.

Beneficiary Voice

“Before this project, farming was just survival. Now my poultry business feeds my family and pays my daughter’s school fees,” said Abena, a farmer from Kumasi