Women farmers power Ghana's agriculture, but face major barriers
Women farmers power agriculture but face major barriers in Ghana. Agriculture remains one of the most important pillars of Ghana's economy, employing roughly one-third of the national workforce and sustaining millions of rural households. Estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organisation indicate that women make up around 40-50 per cent of the agricultural labour force in sub-Saharan Africa.
Women farmers in Ghana continue to face unequal access to land, finance, and agricultural support services. Land ownership and control in many rural communities are shaped by customary systems that often favour men. Women frequently cultivate smaller and less fertile plots of land than their male counterparts. Many financial institutions require formal land titles or other assets as collateral before granting loans. According to World Bank data, women across many developing economies are significantly less likely than men to obtain formal agricultural loans. In Ghana, extension agents, often working through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, provide training and technical guidance to farmers.
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Ghana's agriculture is powered by women farmers who cultivate staple foods - but they face significant barriers. These challenges limit their productivity and economic opportunities, hinting at a larger issue for the country's food system.
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