Women Agribusiness entrepreneurs deserve support

March has been an inspiring month for women. The world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 7th.

Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang spoke at the 2025 Women’s Dialogue. She emphasized the need to uplift all Ghanaian women, including parents, traders, farmers, and professionals.

It was exciting to hear her recognize women farmers and fisherfolk. They are a vital but often overlooked part of society.

Women contribute to every stage of agrifood systems. They play roles in farming, food processing, trading, and distribution. They are the backbone of our food systems.

Despite making up over 50% of the agricultural workforce globally, women face challenges. The Food and Agricultural Organisation's 2023 report highlights their difficult working conditions.

Women struggle to access essential resources like land and finance. Many work as unpaid family laborers or casual workers. On average, they earn 18.4% less than men in agrifood systems.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 63% of women engage in agriculture. They contribute between 60% to 80% of the continent’s food production but receive only 10% of sector revenue.

Despite these barriers, some women entrepreneurs are breaking through. They show resilience and innovation while transforming their businesses.

One such leader is Edith Akosah Wheatland, CEO of Rockland Farms. After working abroad, she returned to Ghana in 2012 to support local poultry farming.

Today, she leads Rockland Farms and Eco Feeding Ghana Limited in Sekyere Central District. Rockland Farms produces eggs and broilers while supporting women poultry farmers through an out-grower scheme.

This initiative provides inputs for raising chickens that women sell to Rockland Meats at competitive prices. Edith also supports maize farmers through another out-grower scheme by supplying inputs for maize used as animal feed.

To empower women further, she established a Village Savings and Loans Scheme for financial access.

At an International Women’s Day event organized by AGRA and FAO in Accra, Edith shared her challenges: “Everybody says Rockland is a success story but no one looks at my struggles,” she said.

She started with processing three birds daily; now she processes 2,000 birds a day using a plucker machine designed for poultry feathers removal.

Edith thanked AGRA's VALUE4HER initiative for helping her business grow into one of Ghana’s biggest agribusinesses.

“In my village where my farm is located, I had many women seeking support,” she explained about setting up the Village Savings group with AGRA's help.

Last year alone, these groups contributed GH¢2 million among themselves. They borrow from their farms to grow maize which Edith buys back with interest—a successful model despite initial difficulties.

Edith’s journey showcases resilience and innovation in women's leadership within agriculture. She has transformed her enterprise while uplifting hundreds of women farmers through mentorship and sustainable practices.

By collaborating and adapting to industry needs, she redefines women's roles in agriculture for a more equitable sector.

Edith mentioned seeking support for expansion during the event: “We need about $5 million for a processing plant.” This investment could allow them to process 48,000 birds daily and create 260,000 jobs across the value chain.

Women agribusiness entrepreneurs like Edith deserve support from both state and non-state actors. Their unique perspectives can drive significant innovations within agri-food systems.

Supporting these entrepreneurs benefits society as a whole by strengthening communities and promoting broader economic development.