Increasing competitiveness of smallholder women aggregators and processors along the maize, rice, groundnut and shea value chains for increased income prosperity
YOVI, in partnership with the USAID Feed the Future Ghana Trade and Investment (GTI) Activity, is currently implementing a project titled ‘Increasing competitiveness of smallholder women aggregators and processors along the maize, rice, groundnut and shea value chains for increased income prosperity, for 2023 to 2024. The project is designed to transform the landscape for women engaged in agro-processing and aggregation. As an organisation, we envision a future where these hardworking women play a leading role in driving agricultural innovation and economic prosperity in Ghana. By empowering them, we believe we can create a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous agricultural sector.
In Northern Ghana, many women in these roles lack the essential skills and knowledge required to efficiently aggregate and process agricultural products. This deficiency significantly hampers their productivity and income potential. The project is actively involved in delivering training programmes to empower women to manage their businesses efficiently and sustainably. The training initiatives empower women to make informed decisions, manage their businesses, and improve their overall quality of life.
Recognising the importance of access to fair and reliable markets, YOVI is working diligently with diverse stakeholders including Hotels (as buyers of processed foods from processors), aggregators, processors, the Department of Agriculture (DoA), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and Department of Cooperatives and Business Development Service (BDS) providers, to establish strong linkages between these women aggregators and processors and markets that offer fair compensation for their products. This change not only boosts their income but also provides a sense of security.
We invite you to join us in our journey to empower these remarkable women. Your support and involvement can make a profound difference in the lives of many, fostering economic prosperity and contributing to the advancement of Ghana’s agriculture sector.
