Tamale: Some members of the Savannah Women Farmers Association in the Northern Region have undergone a day's training to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills in the agricultural sector. The training, which aimed at empowering women farmers, involved 53 participants selected as leaders from 24 communities across the Association's five operational districts: Savelugu, Mion, Nanton, Tolon, and Kumbungu.
According to Ghana News Agency, the communities represented included Tampion, Jegun Kukuo, Nyeko, Looni, Nanton, Laligu, Sakpeem, Kpendua, Boggu, Kpalin Yapalsi, and Kpilo. Additional communities were Dul-Zugu, Gupanarigu, Kanfihayili, Napagyili, Kpalsong, Sibgun, Gurumanchayili, Gbrimani, Koblimahagu, Sakpe, Disi Kura, Nadundo, and Kpachiyili. The event was organized by the Association with financial backing from the Food and Agriculture Organization under its Forest and Farm Facilities Activity in Ghana.
Mr. Useni Kabiru, Programme Coordinator of the Savannah Women Farmers Association, highlighted that the training aimed to improve participants' understanding of advocacy and networking. It also sought to enhance their fundraising abilities to support community-level activities and sharpen their leadership skills for coordinating group activities towards sustainable agricultural practices.
Mr. Baako Abdulai Mumuni, a retired Director of Agriculture at the Savelugu Municipality, facilitated the training. He stressed the importance of effective leadership, advocating for qualities such as vision, listening skills, selflessness, honesty, hard work, and readiness to serve. He encouraged participants to foster an inclusive environment within their groups, irrespective of sex, religion, ethnicity, race, or ability, and emphasized the importance of developing realistic financial budgets and goals to secure support for community activities.
Madam Sirina Ziblim, a participant from the Kpendua community in the Savelugu Municipality, shared that the training had equipped them with skills to advocate for opportunities in agriculture and engage with local authorities to obtain land for farming. Additionally, she noted the importance of advocating for services such as agricultural extension agents to improve crop yields and production.
