The Northern Patriot in Research and Advocacy (NOPRA) has organized a forum for women farmers in the North of Ghana as part of efforts to ensure sustainable agricultural activities in the face of the prevailing climate change crisis.
Dubbed the Northern Ghana Women Farmers Empowerment Forum, the event brought together experts and policymakers to sensitize female farmers drawn from various communities on the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to improve food productivity and security especially in communities severely impacted by climate change crisis.
A key speaker at the event, Prof. David Millar called for support for female farmers.
Prof. Millar noted that although women play a critical role in food production, they are often overlooked in policies and support systems aimed at promoting agricultural productivity.
He said support for female farmers will not only empower them economically but also improve food security in the country.
“If you look at the Peasant Farmers Association, they are all men. They don’t know that there women (farmers) who are keeping families alive,” he stated.
“I think this is where the nongovernmental agencies should create parallel programmes that will support women in farming.”
Executive Director of NOPRA, Bismarck Adongo Ayorogo observed that women are most affected by the prevailing crisis and thus, the quest to empower them against the debilitating impact of the crisis.
“The climate change impact is more pronounced here (North of Ghana) and women are the hardest hit when it comes to the impact of climate change,” he stated.
He urged the participants to put the knowledge they have acquired into practice and also endeavour to share with others, who may have not gotten such education.
One of the participants Sylvia Agesoba shared that she has been enlightened on land preservation through the use of organic manure and expressed her keenness to apply this knowledge in preserving her farmland and improving production.
The forum held under the theme: “Promoting Sustainable Agriculture for Improved Food Security and Poverty Eradication in Climate-impacted Northern Ghana, The Role of Policy Makers” concluded with a consensual for policy review to favour women farmers and improve food security.
