Newage Agric Solutions Ltd, in partnership with Chi-Gaba, an out-grower scheme management company, has organised a two-day alternative livelihood skills training for 200 young women under the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Programme.

The HAPPY Programme is a four-year partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited and is implemented by an eight-member consortium that includes Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. The programme seeks to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly women, in the rice, soybean, tomato and poultry value chains.

Participants in the training were drawn from the Challu, Pieng and Kulfuo communities in the Sisaala East Municipality of the Upper West Region. The training aimed to equip them with practical income-generating skills beyond soybean production as part of efforts to support economic activity throughout the year.

The sessions covered the production of liquid soap, bar soap and Tom Brown, a cereal-based food product. Participants were also introduced to product handling, hygiene standards, labelling, packaging and basic entrepreneurship to help them manage small-scale businesses.

Organisers say the initiative is intended to provide alternative sources of income for participants, particularly during farming off-seasons, while supporting household livelihoods and local economic activity.

The training was delivered free of charge by facilitators with experience in small-scale enterprise development.

Some participants said the programme provided them with new skills they plan to apply in their communities.

One participant, Doziera, said the training had given her the confidence to produce and sell liquid soap.

“I can now make liquid soap and sell it to earn money to take care of my children. Now I know the right chemicals to use and the correct process,” she said.

Another participant, Ajara, said the training introduced her to new production methods.

“The process of making liquid soap here is different from what I was used to. Now I won’t buy soap again; I will make my own,” she said.

Newage Agric Solutions Ltd and Chi-Gaba say they plan to continue supporting farmers under the programme through similar initiatives aimed at strengthening livelihoods in participating communities.