Women contribute about 60% of the agriculture sector, and almost all are smallholder farmers. In spite of contributing immensely to safeguarding food security, in Ghana, women are unable to access financial assistance to upscale production.
To contribute to the development of young women in the agriculture sector, the Ghana India Trade Advisory Chamber (GITAC) in partnership with the GITAC international foundation has committed to providing seed funding to zealous women in the agriculture value chain by the project name “Women in Agric”.
“There are a lot of organizations that are offering other forms of support to women in agriculture but none provides funding. Our core mandate is to provide seed funding to women who have the passion and well-tailored business plan to produce to feed the growing economy”, Dominic Oduro, President of Ghana Indian Advisory Chamber said.
There are a lot of young individuals, especially women who are willing to venture into the sector, but the capital to invest is a hindrance. According to Mr. Oduro, it is a paramount goal of the GITAC and its partners to encourage young women with the needed capital and inputs to actualize their goals.
Speaking to Agric Today, the President said the chamber and its partners are meticulous about the project and have put all necessary measures and guidelines in place to make the project successful.
Agriculture is a professional work that needs passion, commitment, and dedication to achieve the needed results. It is critical for every woman who wants to partake in this project to at least have a passion for agriculture, might have started farming, or have farmland and a tailored business plan to guide the business operation.
He mentioned that it is critical for every woman to at least meet these criteria as a business starter. “We have the team on grounds at all the regions to monitor the applicants of the basis at which they applied”.
He affirmed that all the necessary arrangements have been put in place. With its local and international partners, the project’s sustainability, market structures, and market linkages are assured.
“We need to encourage our women for the national interest. Agriculture is a business venture that needs assistance and motivation, especially for the youth and women who have the desire to patronize it”, he added.
