The forum, which featured participatory dialogue sessions, included presentations on agricultural policies available to women, open discussions on challenges faced by women farmers, and the drafting of policy recommendations.

It was organized by the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana), an NGO, with support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF).

The event brought together representatives of women farmer groups from 10 communities across the two districts.

Communities represented included Bihinaayili, Tampion Gushee, Looni, Saamkpem, Nyeko, Laligu, Jegong, Napangzori, Nantong, and Yewugu.

The forum formed part of SWIDA-Ghana’s Inclusive Community Policy Dialogues and Stakeholder Engagement Fora on Agriculture Policy Barriers, under its Advocacy Action for Women’s Economic Security and Justice in Agricultural Activities in Northern Ghana.

Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-Ghana, speaking during the forum at Savelugu, said it was to deepen participants’ understanding of systemic and policy-level barriers affecting community-level agriculture.

She said the forum also sought to facilitate the documentation of community-driven recommendations for improving agricultural policies, and to strengthen collaboration among relevant stakeholders for ongoing advocacy.

She said, “Beyond this engagement, we will take the conversation to the community level, where we can interact with women groups and traditional authorities to enhance women’s access to farmland.”

Mr Kojo Inusah, Management and Information Systems Officer, Savelugu Municipal Directorate, Department of Agriculture, led a training session on government initiatives for sustainable agriculture.

He highlighted the “Feed Ghana” project, which was being implemented to improve productivity, promote wealth creation, and ensure food security.
He said government was establishing mechanisation centres across the country to improve access to inputs.
He urged women farmers to form or maintain groups to enable them to benefit from such initiatives.

Madam Mary Amadu, a participant from the Bihinaayili community, commended SWIDA-Ghana and its partners for organizing the forum, and said it would contribute significantly to promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture, especially in the rural parts of the country.