Place women at the centre of agriculture policies and interventions – PFAG’s Secretary tells gov’t
Pabia highlighted the unique challenges women farmers face, particularly in accessing critical inputs and services.
Isaac Pabia, the National Secretary and Upper East Regional Focal Person for the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), has urged the government to place women at the center of agricultural policy and intervention efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for gender-responsive support within the sector.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday May 1, Pabia highlighted the unique challenges women farmers face, particularly in accessing critical inputs and services.
“I can pick a motorbike and run around in search of tractor services — how many women can do that?” he asked, illustrating the mobility and logistical constraints that often hinder women in agriculture.
Pabia recommended that at least 40% of all government agricultural initiatives be deliberately targeted at women.
“We are advocating for special attention to be given to women,” he said, adding that deliberate inclusion would empower more women farmers and improve productivity across the sector.
He praised the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration for its recent launch of the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” poultry initiative, part of the broader Feed Ghana programme. The project is designed to revive the local poultry industry, create employment, and reduce Ghana’s reliance on poultry imports.
According to Pabia, this focus on women and youth marks a positive shift.
However, he also offered a critique of the previous administration’s flagship agricultural policy. Referring to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Planting for Food and Jobs programme, Pabia acknowledged its potential but noted shortcomings in execution.
“It was a well-intentioned initiative, but most of its targets were not achieved,” he said.
He concluded by urging the current government to collaborate closely with stakeholders such as farmers’ associations.
“We need to make sure farmers truly benefit from these interventions,” Pabia stressed.
The PFAG remains a vocal advocate for policies that reflect the realities on the ground, especially for women who form the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural labor force.
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