The Global India Trade Advisory Chamber (GITAC) has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting women in agribusiness, highlighting their role as catalysts for change within Africa’s food systems.
The statement was made at the third iteration of the Women in Agribusiness Forum, which took place in Accra. The event’s unifying theme was “When Women Thrive, Africa Prospers.”
The high-level forum, organized in conjunction with the GITAC International Foundation, brought together policymakers, agribusiness leaders, development specialists, and advocates. The purpose was to develop ambitious strategies that place women at the forefront of driving change in agriculture.
“Agriculture goes beyond just farming; it’s about survival. In Africa, women form the backbone of this industry. However, they continue to be marginalized in leadership roles and lack access to essential resources needed for progress. This needs to change,” stated Dr. Dominic Oduro Antwi, who serves as the President of the Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber.
Breaking barriers, building futures
The discussions at the forum focused on breaking down persistent obstacles that impede women’s progress in agribusiness—including restricted access to funding, property rights, digital tools, and trade connections. The speakers emphasized the necessity of swift changes to establish conditions conducive to female agri-entrepreneurs expanding their ventures, accumulating assets, and influencing farming policies.
An entrepreneur Rashida Ali and a participant at the forum stressed the importance of making agriculture more attractive to the youth, especially young women. “We need to change the perception of agribusiness. With the right research, financial support, and incentives, it can be a powerful and profitable career path for the next generation,” she said.
From an international viewpoint, Kinda Velloza, an immigration attorney from Atlanta, USA, called for a unified worldwide strategy to empower women in agriculture.
“It will require collaboration among all stakeholders—governments, investors, and educators—to place women at the forefront of agricultural innovation. This initiative revolves around sharing power and fostering advancement,” she emphasized.
Mentorship and Policy Reform
The main emphasis during the forum was on the importance of mentorship as well as the development of gender-sensitive agricultural policies that place women at the forefront across all levels, ranging from community-based cooperatives to high-level national strategies.
Through investments in mentorship initiatives, the forum highlighted the significance of nurturing a robust cohort of emerging female leaders in agriculture. It also honored compelling narratives of perseverance and innovation, featuring businesses led by women that are reshaping various sectors of agribusiness—from food processing to technology-assisted practices in sustainable farming.
From words to action
The message from Accra was clear: it’s time to shift gears from mere talk to concrete actions. Strategic investments, comprehensive funding strategies, and policy reforms should take precedence over superficial efforts.
“We can no longer afford to consider women’s empowerment in agriculture as a peripheral discussion. This isn’t about charity; it’s sound economic strategy and a key to ensuring Africa’s food security,” stated Dr. Antwi.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants departed with an enhanced dedication: ensuring women not just included in the dialogue about agriculture but taking the lead in it.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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