Every year on October 15, the International Day of Rural Women is observed to honour the vital role that rural women play in advancing agriculture, rural development, and the fight against poverty. "Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building Climate Resilience, Conserving Biodiversity, and Caring for Land towards gender equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls" is the theme for this important day in 2024. In addition to highlighting the necessity of gender equality, this theme highlights the significance of rural women as important players in advancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

In Ghana, the contribution of women to agriculture cannot be underestimated. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, six in every 10 (58.4%) females aged 15 years and older were employed in the agricultural sector in the rural areas; more than twice the national average of three in every 10 (28.8%).

Recognising the significant role of women in the development of agriculture, the Kosmos Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation continues to invest in building the capacity of women in the agricultural space. Livelihood and skills training have been conducted in the Oti, Ahafo, Volta, Eastern, Central, Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. Through this initiative, more than 4,065 women have been trained.

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

The initiative specifically targeted young women smallholder farmers across three districts and nineteen communities in the Nabdam, Tempane, and Garu districts within the Upper East region. Through this program, KIC has provided valuable training sessions in rice parboiling, shea butter processing, soy processing, and coated groundnut production. In addition to these value-added skills, participants received training in good agricultural practices for rice, soy, and maize cultivation, effective animal husbandry, and the formation of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) and cooperatives.

Following the training sessions, Leverage Microfinance Ltd conducted thorough needs assessments for these women. Based on these assessments, tailored financial support was provided to help them implement the skills and knowledge acquired from the training.

This initiative has had a profound impact on young women smallholder farmers, helping them sustain and improve their agricultural activities while also providing alternative livelihood skills. The program has not only increased incomes but also fostered economic empowerment, paving the way for a more prosperous future for these women and their communities.

Through the collaborative efforts of KIC, the Department of Agriculture, and Leverage Microfinance Company, this capacity-building initiative stands as a testament to the power of targeted support and training in transforming lives and fostering sustainable development in rural communities

Re-iterating KIC’s commitment to the development of women in agriculture, Mercy Tuffour, Gender and Safeguarding Specialist at KIC said:

“At KIC, we are committed to fostering an environment where these women can thrive, innovate, and lead the way towards a more equitable and resilient future. Through our initiatives, we aim to equip women with the necessary 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’s about unlocking their potential to transform their communities and drive sustainable agricultural development.”