From Otoase in the Eastern Region of Ghana hails 44-year -old farmer, Lydia Gyebi Asare, whose passion for agriculture and dedication to community development have made her a remarkable figure in the region.
With an extensive range of crops, livestock, and a commitment to education, Lydia’s contributions to transforming lives and earning her recognition as she competes for the prestigious Feed to Food Award in the upcoming Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards and Gold in the Soil Awards, an annual Regional intervention by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with Global Affairs Canada.
Lydia’s diverse farming enterprise spans over 100 acres of land. She cultivates 20 acres of pineapples, 60 acres of coconuts, 15 acres of cassava, 10 acres of plantains, and 25 acres of maize. Additionally, she manages a fish farm with 1,200 fish and maintains a pig farm with 55 pigs. Her dedication to farming extends to nurturing a coconut nursery with 5,000 seedlings, contributing to the expansion of coconut production in the region.
Despite holding a degree in Accountancy, she made the bold decision to pursue a career in farming, driven by her unwavering passion for agriculture. With little prior knowledge of the field, she embarked on a journey to learn and excel.
Today, Lydia’s expertise and accomplishments in farming speak volumes about her determination and commitment to making a difference.
Employing 30 individuals on her farm, Lydia actively supports local employment and economic growth. Moreover, she goes above and beyond by financially assisting students in need, covering their school fees and ensuring access to education—a testament to her commitment to community development.
Lydia’s generosity extends further as she readily provides food supplies to her community when they are in need. Her willingness to support and uplift those around her demonstrates her deep-rooted connection to her community and her dedication to addressing food security challenges.
Now, Lydia’s exceptional achievements and her transformative impact have led her to compete for the esteemed Feed to Food Award. This recognition celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural value chain, promoting sustainable practices and improving food security.
Agrihouse Foundation’s production team who are presently traveling across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region,their mission is to document the remarkable achievements of 62 shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region,captured the story of Lydia for the upcoming 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards.
Travelling from district to district,Agrihouse Production Team seeks to capture 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 aims 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 years 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil awards also includes Yara Ghana , RDF Ghana LBG and World Food Program.
As Lydia Gyebi Asare vies for the Feed to Food Award, her story inspires others to pursue their passions, regardless of their educational background. Her journey showcases the immense potential of agriculture to create positive change in both individual lives and the wider community.
Lydia’s commitment to agriculture, her significant contributions to employment generation, education support, and her unwavering dedication to community welfare make her a deserving candidate for the Feed to Food Award.
Her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative impact that a single individual can make in the agricultural sector.
The upcoming WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, scheduled for July 26-27 at the bed time hotel ,Koforidua 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:AGRIWATCH REPORTER