Savannah Women Farmers Association builds leadership and advocacy skills of members in Tamale

The Savannah Women Farmers Association (SWFA) has organised a one-day leadership, governance, and advocacy training workshop in Tamale to strengthen the technical capacity of its leaders and members and enhance their role in influencing local policy reforms.

The training brought together about 60 leaders of SWFA’s Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) from communities across the Northern Region, including Savelugu, Nanton, Mion, Tolon, and Kumbungu districts.

Held under the Forest and Farm Facility project being implemented by SWFA with funding support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the workshop sought to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively participate in decision-making processes and promote sustainable food systems.

Madam Salamatu Sakara, Chairperson of SWFA, said the initiative was designed to address capacity gaps that limited the association’s effectiveness in mentoring emerging leaders and engaging in policy advocacy. She said the training aligned with SWFA’s broader goal of promoting inclusive participation, gender equity, and women’s empowerment in agribusiness and community development, while contributing to the Ghana Federation of Forest and Farm Producers’ Agenda 2030.

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She noted that the expected outcomes included improved leadership and governance competencies among SWFA leaders, increased representation of women farmers in local decision-making, and stronger accountability systems within the association.

“We want to build strong leaders and advocates who can represent our interests at both local and national levels, engage effectively with stakeholders, and champion women’s voices in agricultural development and policy reforms,” Madam Sakara said.

Facilitating the sessions, Madam Humaimatu Abdul-Wahab from the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service in the Northern Region, led participants through topics on governance, leadership, and advocacy. She underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and teamwork in leadership, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to attract stakeholder and investor support for their programmes and initiatives.

One of the participants, Mr Zakaria Abukari from Tampion, commended SWFA for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would help women farmers become more organised, confident, and effective in engaging with duty bearers.