In the serene town of Bridgeano, located in the heart of Afram Plains, resides 45 years old, Dafalor Awudi, a seasoned fish processor with an impressive experience of two decades in the industry. Dafalor’s story is one of resilience, determination, and innovation, as she navigates the challenges of her trade to provide for her family and uplift her community.
For the past 20 years, Dafalor has honed her skills in fish processing, mastering the art of frying and smoking fish to perfection. Her freshly processed fish has become a sought-after delicacy, with customers coming from Koforidua market, Mame Krobo market, and Donkorkrom market to savor the delectable flavors she creates.
Fishing has become more than a livelihood for Dafalor; it’s a source of joy and fulfillment. Her dedication to her craft goes beyond financial gain, as she takes pride in contributing to her family’s well-being and supporting her children’s education and upbringing.
Yet, her journey has not been without hurdles. The challenges of bad roads leading to Bridgeano pose a constant obstacle, making the transportation of her products a difficult task. Moreover, Dafalor faces the issue of low patronage during certain seasons, affecting her income and the sustainability of her business. Additionally, the soaring prices of cooking oil have put a strain on her production costs, requiring her to find innovative solutions to maintain profitability.
Despite these challenges, Dafalor remains undeterred. She is determined to overcome the odds and thrive in her industry. As she vies for the prestigious “She Innovates Award,” in Agrihouse foundation’s Gold in the Soil Awards happening on the 26th to 27 july 2023 at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua ,in the Eastern Region,she hopes to be recognized for her creative solutions in the face of adversity.
As the She Innovates Award recognizes extraordinary women who demonstrate exceptional ingenuity, it is clear that Dafalor Awudi embodies the essence of this accolade. Her relentless pursuit of success and her determination to overcome obstacles through innovation make her a standout candidate for this esteemed honor.
As Bridgeano and the wider Afram Plains community rally behind Dafalor, they celebrate her contributions to their lives and livelihoods. Her inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs and women seeking to create meaningful change through their innovative ideas.
The She Innovates Award presents an opportunity to shed light on the ingenuity of women like Dafalor Awudi, whose determination and creativity are driving positive change in their respective fields. As the world witnesses the profound impact of women’s empowerment in every sector, it is through recognizing and honoring women like Dafalor that we celebrate progress and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Dafalor Awudi’s story was captured by Agrihouse Foundation’s Production Team who recently travelled across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region, their mission was to document the remarkable achievements of 62 shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region, for the upcoming 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards, an annual rotational Regional intervention organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with global affairs Canada
Travelling from district to district, Agrihouse Production Team captured stories of resilience, innovation, and success, showcasing the immense talent and achievement and hard work of these women farmers in the Eastern Region.
Their efforts aim to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in shaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada has for the past five years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s production team in our quest to recognize, honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability, other partners for this year’s 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil awards also includes Yara Ghana, RDF Ghana LBG and World Food Program.
With dedication and perseverance deserve recognition and support. Her story reminds us of the untapped potential within individuals who, despite challenging circumstances, remain determined to make a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
The 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards is scheduled for July 26th -27th in Koforidua at the Bedtime Hotel in the Eastern Region ,under the theme “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS,” promise to be a momentous occasion. These events will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and women farmers and farmers with disability to award and celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
ABOUT WOFAGRIC AND GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS: Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that strengthens and promotes a paradigm shift in celebrating women farmers, processors, marketers, and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts of women in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, technology, and input dealers. Every year, the event moves from region to region, searching for these extraordinary women who play a significant role in putting food on our tables. Regardless of their abilities, they are thriving to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.
BY:AGRIHOUSE REPORTER