Farmers network advocates women involvement in implementing agric policies
Dr King David Amoah, National President of Farmers Organisation Network of Ghana (FONG) has called on the government to give the implementation of agricultural policies to smallholder farmers particularly women.
This, he, said was necessary because of the population and central role women play in agricultural production in most African countries.
Dr Amoah made the call when addressing about 200 farmer organisations drawn from Brong- Ahafo Region to observe World Rural Women’s Day celebration in Techiman.
The day was organised by Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development and FONG, on the theme: “Promoting Food Security and Sovereignty the Role of Rural Women Farmers.”
It was aimed among other things to advocate gender friendly policies to ensure that women are included in policy dialogues, formation, monitoring and evaluation in the country.
Dr Amoah underscored the need for government and political parties to prioritise facilitate and provide timely access to all farm inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, cutlasses, credit, extension services, and irrigation facilities towards to enhance agricultural activities in the rural areas.
He mentioned some networks of farmers-based organisation such as Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana and Ghana Federation of Agricultural Producers, that work to enhance the capacity of members and advocate good and appropriate agricultural policies for the benefit of small-scale farmers.
Madam Gladys Serwaa Adusah, Middle Zone Women’s Organisation of FONG noted that the annual celebration of World Rural Women’s Day was to give recognition and support for the multiple role women play and contribute to the well-being of their families.
She encouraged women not to be discouraged about their farming activities and rather work hard to achieve the benefits of their farming activities.
Mr Adjei Mensah, Presiding Member of the Techiman Municipal Assembly lauded the significant role women contribute in the agricultural sector.
He gave the assurance that government would make farming a profitable venture in a bid to strengthen agricultural economy.
Nana Amofaa Agyeiwaa, Krontihenmaa of the Techiman Traditional Area who presided over the programme, appealed to the government to come to the aid of farmers especially women engaged in farming activities in the form of credit facilities in order for them to grow more food for the nation.
Source: GNA