For the past eight years, Global Affairs Canada has been a key partner in one of Ghana’s most influential agricultural empowerment programmes — the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Expo (WOFAGRIC) and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
The partnership, delivered in collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation, has benefited more than 12,000 rural women farmers, women with disabilities, agribusiness entrepreneurs, processors, and marketers across Ghana. Through training, mentorship, recognition, and business support, participants have been able to improve their livelihoods and expand their role in the country’s agricultural economy.
What began as a platform to celebrate women in agriculture has since grown into a nationwide movement that is reshaping lives, strengthening communities, and redefining the role of women in Ghana’s food systems.
For many rural women, agriculture is not just a livelihood but a means of survival — a source of income that supports families and education. Yet, despite their major contribution to food production and national development, their efforts have often gone unrecognised.
To address this gap, Global Affairs Canada partnered with Agrihouse Foundation to strengthen WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards, creating a platform that combines recognition with practical opportunities for growth and development.
Over the years, the initiative has brought national visibility to women whose work might otherwise have gone unnoticed — from farmers working under difficult conditions to processors adding value to agricultural produce, agribusiness owners, and community development leaders.
A major strength of the programme has been its focus on inclusivity. Women farmers with disabilities have been deliberately included, given opportunities to showcase their abilities, challenge stereotypes, and inspire others within the sector.
Beyond recognition, many beneficiaries have gained access to training, leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These interventions have helped women improve productivity, increase incomes, and build more sustainable agribusinesses.
Today, the Gold in the Soil Awards stands as one of Ghana’s most respected agricultural recognition platforms, celebrating women and farmers with disabilities across various value chains while inspiring younger generations to consider careers in agriculture.
Global Affairs Canada’s continued support has also contributed to advancing gender equality in agriculture, aligning with broader goals of inclusive development, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth.
Beyond individual achievements, the initiative has had a ripple effect in rural communities. Many beneficiaries now share knowledge with other farmers, support local cooperatives, and mentor younger women entering agriculture. In total, the programme is estimated to have directly and indirectly impacted about 20,000 people.
As Ghana works towards food security and agricultural transformation, the role of rural women remains critical. The partnership between Global Affairs Canada and Agrihouse Foundation highlights the value of sustained international cooperation in placing women at the centre of development.
From smallholder farming to agro-processing and agribusiness expansion, many beneficiaries have transformed their operations into thriving enterprises, creating jobs and expanding market opportunities.
Some women who once struggled with post-harvest losses now own processing equipment that allows them to add value to their produce, improve quality, and extend shelf life. Others have gained access to broader markets, including international buyers, demonstrating agriculture’s potential as a pathway to economic independence.
This year’s WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, scheduled for the Savannah Region, are expected to further deepen this impact. With support from Global Affairs Canada, about 1,000 women farmers, including past award winners, will gather to share experiences and showcase their achievements.
The event will also feature beneficiaries of Canada-supported initiatives such as the Feed Ghana programme and Farmer Service Centres, creating opportunities for learning, mentorship, networking, and market linkages while amplifying the voices of rural women and farmers with disabilities.
As preparations continue, expectations are high among stakeholders who see the initiative as a powerful example of what sustained investment in women can achieve. The Savannah Region edition is expected to not only celebrate excellence but also inspire a new generation of women leaders in agriculture.
Ultimately, the programme continues to demonstrate how strong partnerships and consistent support from Global Affairs Canada are helping unlock potential, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.
