Empowering rural women – KIC’s commitment to sustainable agriculture investment

International Rural Women’s Day is celebrated every year on October 15 to honor the vital role rural women play in advancing agriculture, rural development and fighting poverty.

The theme of this important day in 2024 is “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, preserving biodiversity and caring for the land for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.”

In addition to highlighting the need for gender equality, this theme also highlights the importance of rural women as key players in improving environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The contribution of women to agriculture in Ghana cannot be underestimated. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, six in 10 women aged 15 and over (58.4 percent) were employed in rural agriculture; That’s more than double the national average of three in 10 (28.8 percent).

Aware of the important role of women in the development of agriculture, Kosmos Innovation Center continues to invest in improving the capacity of women in the agricultural field in cooperation with the Mastercard Foundation.

Livelihood and skills training was conducted in the Oti, Ahafo, Volta, Eastern, Central, Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. More than 4,065 women have been trained through this initiative.

Earlier in the year, KIC, working in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Leverage Microfinance Corporation, launched a capacity building initiative to empower young women at the community level through comprehensive training, financial assistance and provision of basic input.

The initiative specifically targeted young women smallholder farmers in three districts and nineteen communities in Nabdam, Tempane and Garu districts in the Upper East region. Through this program, KIC provided valuable training sessions on rice boiling, shea butter processing, soybean processing, and coated peanut production.

In addition to these value-added skills, participants also received training in good agricultural practices for rice, soybean and corn cultivation, effective animal husbandry and the creation of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) and cooperatives.

Following the training sessions, Leverage Microfinance Ltd conducted a comprehensive needs analysis of these women. Based on these assessments, they were provided with tailored financial support to help them apply the knowledge and skills gained from the training.

This initiative had a profound impact on young female small farmers; It helped them maintain and develop their agricultural activities while also providing them with alternative livelihood skills. The program not only increased incomes but also supported economic empowerment, paving the way for a more prosperous future for these women and their communities.

Thanks to the joint efforts of KIC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Leverage Microfinance Corporation, this capacity building initiative is a testament to the power of targeted support and education to transform lives and promote sustainable development in rural communities.

Reiterating KIC’s commitment to the development of women in agriculture, KIC Gender and Protection Specialist Mercy Tuffour said:

“At KIC, we are committed to fostering an environment where these women can thrive, innovate and pave the way for a more equitable and resilient future. Through our initiatives, we aim to equip women with the tools, knowledge and confidence to innovate and lead in the agricultural sector.

Empowering rural women is not just about providing skills and financial support; it is about unlocking their potential to transform their communities and promote sustainable agricultural development.”