In a concerted effort to empower youth farmers and enhance national food security, Newage Agric Solutions Limited, a key partner in the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Programme, has conducted a three-day soybean seed training programme for 88 young women in the West Mamprusi and Karaga districts of the North East and Northern regions of Ghana respectively.

The training was carried out under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Seed System Programme (YESSPRO), an initiative within the HAPPY Programme.

The HAPPY Programme is a 4-year partnership between the MasterCard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited, supported by an eight-member consortium that includes Newage Agric Solutions Ltd.

The YESSPRO programme aims to empower youth farmers, particularly women, by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to become certified seed producers.

This strategic initiative seeks to address the challenges of food security and lack of access to quality seeds, which are vital for improving agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

During the training session, the 88 young women participants from Walewale and Pisigu were equipped with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in soybean seed production.

The training covered topics such as seed selection, handling, processing, storage, and quality control measures to ensure the production of certified seeds.

"The YESSPRO programme is a game-changer for youth engagement in agriculture," said Ms Tabitha Lomotey, the Seed Agronomist of Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. and the Lead for Seed Production on the HAPPY Programme for Newage Agric Solutions Ltd.

She added "by training and supporting these young women to become seed producers, we are not only empowering them economically but also contributing to the overall food security of our nation. Their role as certified seed suppliers will have a far-reaching impact on the livelihoods of farmers in the country and beyond."

The training programme's focus on women farmers aligns with the HAPPY Programme's commitment to promoting gender equity and inclusive development in the agricultural sector.

By targeting young women, the initiative aims to address the historical challenges faced by female farmers and create new opportunities for their participation and leadership.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Abiba Yakubu, 26, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, stating, "This training has been a life-changing experience for me. As a young woman, I now have the skills and knowledge to become a successful soybean seed producer. I am excited to put what I have learned into practice and contribute to the agricultural transformation of my community and the country as a whole."

The successful completion of the soybean seed training programme by Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. in the North East Region is a testament to the HAPPY Programme's commitment to empowering youth and fostering sustainable agricultural development.

By equipping the young women participants with the necessary skills and support, the YESSPRO initiative aims to create a network of capable seed producers who can meet the demand for quality seeds, thereby enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.

As the YESSPRO beneficiaries embark on their journey as seed producers, Newage Agric Solutions Ltd, in collaboration with the HAPPY Programme consortium, will continue to provide mentorship, technical assistance, and market linkages to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the initiative.