The 2024 Women in Agribusiness Week alongside an awards event has been held in Ho, the regional capital of the Volta Region.
In an interview with Adom News, Nana Adjoa A. Sifa, Initiator and Lead at Guzakuza said, this year’s event comes at a crucial time.
This is because Africa’s food systems face unprecedented challenges with rising food insecurity, unequal access to resources, and a global push for agricultural innovation, and therefore they are gathering to discuss what isn’t often talked about.
She added that agriculture remains the backbone of our economies, yet systematic barriers, gender biases, and outdated practices continue to prevent African women from fully harnessing their potential in Agribusiness.
The theme for the 2024 celebration is “Connecting Women: Connecting African Food Systems.”
Nana Adjoa emphasised that the theme isn’t just about networking but a call to dismantle the barriers that hold African women back.
She said currently, over 60% of African women rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet they own less than 20% of the land.
Despite this, women produce nearly 80% of African’s food, operating with fewer resources, less support, and limited access to modern technologies.
Meanwhile, African import over $50 billion worth of food annually, raising critical questions about food sovereignty and economic independence.
“At this year’s event, we are not shying away from tough discussions. We will examine policies that hinder women’s progress, confront controversial practices affecting our food security, and reimagine a food system where African women lead, innovate, and thrive. Through meaningful collaboration, we can challenge these issues head-on. Together, we can aim to create a food system that truly serves African–one that is equitable, resilient, and self-sustaining,” Nana Adjoa A. Sifa said.
The Paramount Queen mother of Nafi Traditional Area, also Vice President of Volta Region Queen Mother’s Association and President of Mafi Queen Mother’s Association, Mama Sename lll, called on traditional authorities to release lands for the Women who are willing to go into Agribusiness for them to produce more food for the nation.
Augustus Awiti, delivering a speech on behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa also pledged the coordinating directorates commitment to the Women in Agribusiness to help produce more food in the country.
The Women in Agribusiness Week and Awards 2024 is proudly brought by GuzaKuza, an organisation with a steadfast commitment to inspire women to build resilient agribusiness across Africa.
Since its inception, Guzakuza has championed the voices and visions of African women in Agribusiness, inspiring them to thrive as changemqkers within their communities and beyond.
Their programmes like Ignite, shefarms, MentorHer, GWAT, and Hervoice have equipped women with the skills, resources, and networks to turn their Agribusiness dreams into impactful ventures.