Northern Regional Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD) Officer, Madam Salatu Abubakari, says Ghana is on the verge of producing its first-ever female National Best Farmer as more women venture into large-scale commercial agriculture.
Sharing her views with Zaa News during the 2025 National Farmers’ Day celebration, Madam Salatu expressed confidence that women’s increasing involvement in crop production, livestock, and value addition makes the possibility not only realistic but imminent.
According to her, several women are now engaged in full-scale single-crop farming, while others are operating commercial livestock enterprises.
Salatu Abubakari, WIAD Officer-Northern Region
“There is a woman who is into full-time cattle farming,” she revealed, adding that with the right support and resources, a woman could soon clinch the top national honor.
Madam Salatu stressed that women now occupy spaces previously regarded as the preserve of men. she argued that without women, Ghana’s agricultural sector would be ” in limping” especially in food processing and value addition where women play a dominate role.
Women constitute more than 50% of the agricultural workforce, she said, and their contribution has significantly extended the shelf life of food crops through processing and preservation.
Despite their vital role, she noted that environmental and structural challenges still limit women’s ability to thrive. She called for increased investment in gender-friendly, women-sensitive agricultural equipment that would enable women to run viable agribusinesses and expand their operations.
“We need to make agriculture attractive, make it sexy to entice more women, especially in the area of equipment and machinery,” she emphasized.
Madam Salatu indicated that policymakers have begun acknowledging the central role women play in the agricultural value chain.
The establishment of WIAD offices across the country, she said, is a testament to this recognition.
She explained that, her office focuses on capacity building, food safety, empowerment, and ensuring women gain access to resources and finance.
Working with the Ghana Enterprises Agency and development partners, WIAD has also helped prepare several women to receive awards and recognition for their contributions to agriculture.
“The agriculture and agribusiness space is gaining recognition, and it is my hope and belief that we move beyond where we are now,” she said.
She added that every aspect of agriculture “hinges on the woman’s shoulder,” and expressed optimism that in the next few years, more women will stand out at the national level.
Commenting on growing calls for a separate Women Farmers’ Day, Madam Salatu said Ghana may eventually reach a point where such a celebration becomes necessary.
“We will get there where women will be isolated and celebrated for their efforts,” she said.
However, she noted that the immediate focus should be on equity, equality, and grooming women to compete fairly with men for top national awards.
“The space is now tight between men and women,” she added, insisting that efforts must continue to support women to attain the highest levels of recognition, including National Best Farmer, first runner-up and second runner-up.
