Agriculture is the backbone of many communities in Ghana, and in the East Mamprusi District, women play a crucial role in farming activities. The district has recently seen transformative changes through initiatives spearheaded by the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), and Texas Tech University with support from the USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). This initiative focuses on empowering women farmers and increasing their productivity. These efforts are aimed at improving agricultural productivity, promoting gender equality, and fostering sustainable growth in the region.
USDA-FAS Project Strengthens Women’s Agricultural Efforts
The USDA-FAS project has been pivotal in supporting women farmers in East Mamprusi. The project recently embarked on a visit to the district, inspecting the progress of 100 women farmers from the Sakogu, Wunzugutinga, and Kpatritinga communities. These farmers have been cultivating cowpea varieties such as SARI-Tuya and Wangkae. These improved cowpea varieties were developed by CSIR-SARI to boost productivity and resilience in the region’s farming system.
Each woman farmer in the project has received ploughing services for one acre of farmland, along with inputs such as seeds of the improved cowpea varieties, weedicides, and insecticides. Furthermore, Agricultural Extension Agents trained by CSIR-SARI have been educating the farmers on proper plant spacing, planting in rows, fertilizer application, and insecticide regimes to ensure the crops thrive under optimal conditions.
These efforts contribute significantly to household income and community food security, as cowpea is a staple food crop in the local diet and an important commodity for the region’s economy.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
The USDA-FAS project is committed to enhancing the sustainable agricultural practices of these women, equipping them with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to improve yields. By focusing on SARI-Tuya and Wangkae, both high-yielding, drought-tolerant varieties, the project supports regional agricultural development while promoting gender empowerment. These improved varieties mature quickly—SARI-Tuya, for example, matures within 71 days—and are highly favoured for their large seed size, white seed coat color, and fast cooking time, making them ideal for both farmers and consumers.
During the visit, Dr. Conrad Lyford, a professor at Texas Tech University, joined the other project team members in encouraging the women farmers. Dr. Lyford emphasized the importance of their role in advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, reminding them that their efforts are key to improving the livelihoods of their communities. His words provided additional motivation for the women to continue their leadership in farming.
The visit was part of an ongoing effort to assess the women farmers’ management of their fields and ensure sustainable practices. The project team inspected the health and growth of the crops, offering valuable insights into challenges such as soil fertility issues, crop diseases, and limited access to irrigation. These direct interactions with the farmers allowed the team to provide tailored recommendations to address these challenges and help the women optimize their farming practices.
Mr. Paschal Anasigre, Head of the Department of Agriculture in East Mamprusi District, emphasized the significance of the project: “This partnership is not only enhancing productivity but is also giving women the tools and confidence to lead in farming. It is vital for the growth of our agricultural sector and the well-being of our community.”
Addressing Farmers’ Concerns and Boosting Productivity
In addition to improving agricultural practices, the USDA-FAS project provides a platform for women farmers to voice their concerns. During the visit, farmers highlighted issues such as limited access to advanced farming tools, the impacts of climate change, and challenges with market access for their produce. The project team has pledged to address these issues by offering additional training on climate-resilient farming techniques and facilitating better market linkages to ensure fair pricing for farm crops.
By empowering these women with leadership roles in farming and addressing their specific needs, the project is fostering a stronger sense of financial independence and confidence. This empowerment also gives women a more significant voice within their households and the broader community, contributing to gender equality in the region.
Advancing Cowpea Cultivation: The Release of Improved Varieties
Dr. Theophilus Kwabla Tengey, a Senior Research Scientist with the CSIR-SARI, has been leading efforts to revolutionize cowpea production in Ghana. Through years of research and development with support from the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed delivery of legumes and cereals in Africa (AVISA) project, Dr. Tengey and his team succeeded in releasing SARI-Tuya in 2022 which was approved by the National Seed Council in 2024 for cultivation.
These improved varieties are ideal for the local climate and soil conditions, offering greater resilience and productivity. The goal of this initiative is to disseminate these improved seeds to as many farmers as possible, creating a ripple effect of improved agricultural practices and higher yields across the region.
Dr. Tengey emphasized the importance of increasing seed production, stating, “We aim to ensure that these varieties are widely adopted, helping farmers achieve better yields and improve their livelihoods.”
Efforts led by Dr. Tengey and the USDA-FAS project team are prime examples of how targeted interventions can create lasting impacts on communities. By prioritizing women in agricultural development and introducing improved crop varieties, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for sustainable agricultural growth, gender equality, and food security in East Mamprusi.
CSIR-SARI and MOFA will continue to work closely with local farming communities, ensuring that agriculture remains not only a means of survival but also a pathway to prosperity for women, their families, and the broader region. As these initiatives grow and expand, they are poised to make a lasting contribution to Ghana’s agricultural goals, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all.