Workshop empowers women in agribusiness with holistic development approach

A workshop named “AgroWoman 360” has been organized in Tamale to empower women engaged in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME)-level agribusinesses in rural Ghana.

The event, facilitated by RDF Ghana LBG in collaboration with the Sung Foundation, aimed to enhance participants' knowledge in financial literacy, climate-smart agriculture, health, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

Women from the Sagnarigu and Gushegu Municipalities of the Northern Region participated in the workshop. Mr. Yaw Oppong, CEO of RDF Ghana LBG, expressed the organization's goal of garnering support from communities, authorities, the government, and development partners to drive the holistic development of women in MSME-level agribusiness.

“Agribusiness workers, especially women, have proven that agriculture has the potential to lift Ghana into economic prosperity,” stated Mr. Oppong, aligning the initiative with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Madam Shafawu Adam, the Gender Desk Officer of Sung Foundation, emphasized financial literacy, encouraging participants to actively engage in village savings and loan associations, invest in their businesses, and meet loan obligations on time.

Mr. Moses Neindow, Programmes Manager of Presby Agricultural Services, focused on climate-smart agriculture, advising participants to adopt sustainable practices like inter-cropping, mixed cropping, agroforestry, and the use of organic manure.

Mr. Muniru Masalachi, a Water and Sanitation Engineer at the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, addressed WASH issues and urged participants without household toilets to incorporate WASH into their savings contributions for toilet construction, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of owning household toilets compared to patronizing public facilities.

The workshop also included a breast cancer screening exercise to support early detection among rural women. Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Yakubu, the Sagnarigu Municipal Chief Executive, commended the initiative, emphasizing its commitment to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and fostering self-reliance, health, and economic prosperity in communities.

Participants praised the initiative, expressing gratitude for the knowledge gained that would positively impact their lives and businesses.

RDF Ghana LBG, dedicated to sustainable rural development, has supported over 10,000 direct beneficiaries, with 68% being women, through lines of credit, credit guarantees, and technical assistance programs.