As part of efforts to promote inclusive agriculture, the Eastern Women in Cocoa Cooperative (EWCOCO) has been empowering women in the cocoa sector, aiming to foster economic growth in rural areas of the Eastern Region.
Ernestine Osei Tutu, President of EWCOCO, highlighted the importance of a recent workshop designed to equip Eastern Women executives of the cooperative with essential skills for improved cocoa farm production. She emphasized that women make significant contributions to the agricultural sector, and that empowering them is not a choice but an urgent necessity. “It is how we safeguard the future of the sector, enrich our communities, and build a resilient agricultural industry that can thrive for generations,” said Ernestine Tutu.
The keynote speaker at the workshop, Ms. Patience Duodu reinforced the importance of empowering rural women, noting that their involvement is critical to the success of the agricultural industry. She stressed the need to improve access to financial services, stating that women’s cooperatives, savings groups, and rural financial services must be enhanced to enable female farmers to access funds. This, in turn, would allow them to invest in their farms, diversify their income, and manage risks effectively.
“To build a strong cocoa industry, we must take bold steps. First, we must ensure women have access to extension services, training, and innovative techniques. Every new method introduced to rural farmers should focus on improving cocoa management and boosting productivity. Protecting the cocoa industry and its workers is essential,” she affirmed.
Ms. Duodu further explained that leadership among rural women must be promoted. “When women take the lead in local associations and farmer groups, the adoption of best practices increases, and community development becomes more inclusive,” she noted.
In addition, the speaker urged for policies that intentionally protect and empower women. She emphasized that land security, gender-responsive programming, and targeted livelihood initiatives must become the standard in all cocoa-related programs.
Bright Odame, Head of Marketing at Mumuadu Rural Bank PLC, also addressed the women, encouraging them to open bank accounts for financial assistance. He explained that access to financial resources would greatly support and boost their farming activities.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
