MTN Ghana Commits GH¢1.2m to Women’s Agriculture Training Project

MTN Ghana has launched a GH¢1.2 million model farm project at Pantang Hospital aimed at training women farmers in modern agricultural techniques.

The initiative seeks to equip smallholder farmers with the skills needed to improve productivity while promoting safer and more sustainable farming practices.

The project, implemented in partnership with Holland Greentech and the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, as well as women smallholder farmers and agricultural experts, forms part of activities marking International Women’s Day.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, said the project is designed to empower women farmers with improved farming techniques that will enhance productivity and promote sustainable agriculture.

According to her, the initiative builds on earlier engagements with women farmers in 2022 when MTN facilitated visits to farms in Akuse, Sontor and the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School area to expose participants to modern farming practices.

“We promised the women that we would return to establish a model farm where they could receive practical training in modern agricultural methods. Today, we are here to fulfil that promise,” she said.

Ms Wiafe explained that about 60 women farmers will benefit directly from the training programme, with the expectation that they will transfer the knowledge and skills acquired to other farmers within their communities.

She noted that women play a crucial role in Ghana’s agricultural sector and must be supported with the right tools, knowledge and opportunities to thrive in a technology-driven economy.

“At MTN, we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. Women are an essential part of society, and empowering them economically is critical to national development,” she added.

The model farm is expected to serve as a pilot project that could be replicated in other parts of the country to expand opportunities for women farmers.

Ms Wiafe further indicated that the initiative aligns with the focus areas of the MTN Foundation, which include health, education and economic empowerment.

The West Africa Regional Director of Holland Greentech, Celestina Danso Arhin, stressed the need for farmers to adopt safer and more efficient farming practices.

She cautioned against the excessive use of pesticides, noting that it poses health risks to both farmers and consumers.

Ms Arhin encouraged farmers to adopt integrated pest management systems, conduct regular water quality testing and utilise modern cultivation methods such as trellising to improve food safety and crop quality.

She also urged farmers to form cooperatives to enhance their access to finance, farm inputs and markets.

“Farmers do not necessarily need large parcels of land to succeed. With the right techniques, even a 500-square-metre plot can generate good returns,” she said.

The Municipal Director of Agriculture for the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Lydia Aku Fiatuho, commended MTN Ghana for the initiative.

She noted that women contribute more than 50 percent of the agricultural workforce in Ghana and play a vital role in food production.

Mrs Fiatuho urged the beneficiary farmers to take full advantage of the project and work collaboratively to ensure its success.

“We are fortunate that this municipality has been selected for this programme, and we encourage the women to actively participate so that it will promote agricultural development in the area and the country at large,” she said.

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The women farmers also expressed their gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for the initiative, noting that the project would go a long way in improving their farming skills, productivity and livelihoods.

They said the training and practical exposure to modern agricultural techniques would help them adopt better farming practices and share the knowledge with other farmers in their communities.

As part of activities commemorating International Women’s Day, participants at the event were also presented with souvenirs in appreciation of their contribution to agriculture and their participation in the programme.

Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo