Globally, 1 in 4 women and girls are expected to be moderately or severely food insecure by 2030. Women play an essential role in the food system, making up 43% of the global agricultural labour force, yet less than 15% of landholders are women. Furthermore, women produce between 50% and 80% of the food, depending on the country and region. These statistics underscore the importance of an integrated gender-transformative approach that promotes women’s roles in agroecology, helping to achieve food security, overcome rural poverty, and address biodiversity decline. 

Agroecology has the potential to address these inequalities by empowering women through improved health, land ownership, financial gains, and participation in decision-making. Addressing gender disparities in access to resources, training, and opportunities is crucial for creating more inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems. 

The Women Forum on Agroecology held in the Nabdam District, Ghana, is a significant initiative under the CIRAWA Project-Ghana. This forum focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the resilience of farming communities through agroecological methods. The forum aims to empower women farmers, who play a crucial role in agriculture, by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary for implementing agroecological practices. 

Through the creation of a dynamic, open and inclusive forum, women farmers were mobilizing together to exchange personalized narratives of their agricultural experiences, drawing on traditional wisdom to overcome modern challenges. Through a vibrant dialogue process, women farmers were taken through a step-down practical training on agroecological practices, weaving together traditional knowledge and contemporary techniques that not only enhance their productivity but also nurture the land, ensuring sustainable practices echo through generations. 

Key Discussion Elements

Farming Practices and techniques 

In Nabdam, women farmers gathered in a lively forum, sharing tried-and-true techniques while uncovering gaps in knowledge. It was observed that the women farmers in Nabdam were not just safeguarding soil; they were protecting their communities’ future, co-creating a path that included age-old traditions with agroecological innovation. Each technique shared and discussed reflected women’s role as stewards of land, agroecology and sustainability at the local level. 

It was noted that women farmers already had rudimentary knowledge on agroforestry techniques such as pruning trees for maximum shade and fruit yield. Yet nursery management remained limited to small vegetable plots. Grafting was a skill only a few possessed, and tree planting skewed toward exotic species over indigenous ones. The group’s goal became clear: to rekindle appreciation for native species like shea and baobab that had long supported local livelihoods and ecosystems.  

As discussions evolved, crop diversification emerged as a useful practice to shield women farmers from unpredictable climates and pest attacks. The women embraced this as a key to year-round food security and income stability. Soil health was also central in this discussion. Composting and organic fertilizers were seen to be symbols of resilience.  

Peer Learning and Networking 

The dialogue and peer-learning approach in the forum showcased significant policy relevance by centring on the firsthand experiences of women farmers and enabling collaborative knowledge exchange on agroecological practices. Through dialogue, participants shared not only techniques but also context-specific insights into challenges and resource gaps, providing a comprehensive understanding of the local agricultural landscape from the perspective of a woman farmer. This is essential for shaping policies that are both culturally grounded and responsive to real community needs, particularly in resource accessibility, resilience-building and sustainable agriculture. 

Peer learning helped to develop self-sustaining models where farmers support each other in implementing agroecological methods, building resilience, and adapting to climate change. By building on peer insights and creating a feedback loop, using a peer learning approach was observed as create the building blocks that recognize women farmers’ roles as both beneficiaries and leaders in sustainable agricultural practices. 

Access to Healthy Diets and Food Security for Households 

In Nabdam, the forum showcased the vital force of women farmers as both cultivators and guardians of local food security. It was noted that women farmers plant more than crops. With every seed, women are sowing a blend of tradition and innovation, choosing agroecological methods and diverse crops that nurture the health of households, and drawing from deep-rooted knowledge to sustain ecosystems while championing a varied, nutritious food supply for communities. Their role in agroecological transition therefore stretches far beyond the field. Some of the women farmers are advocates for inclusive agricultural policies, food sovereignty and community empowerment, and co-creating a future where food security is sustained, not just for today but for generations to come.  

Key Challenges 

In Nabdam, women farmers face a trio of pressing challenges that shape their agricultural livelihoods. Resource constraints, including limited access to quality seeds, organic fertilizers, and modern tools, hinder the full adoption of agroecological practices that could boost both productivity and sustainability. These barriers make it difficult to implement essential techniques like composting and crop diversification, which are crucial for soil health and resilience.  

Climate variability adds another layer of difficulty, as unpredictable rainfall and extreme temperatures disrupt traditional farming cycles, leading to reduced yields and income instability. This uncertainty underscores the need for climate-resilient methods and access to innovative, climate-smart technologies. Finally, limited market access for organic produce constrains profitability, as women often must settle for lower prices through middlemen due to a lack of reliable, fair marketplaces. Addressing these challenges holistically is essential to empower women farmers, strengthen local food systems, and build sustainable rural economies.

Recommendations  

To enhance women’s roles in the agroecological transition in Nabdam, several recommendations were identified and developed from these dialogues: 

• We Propose a Rights-Based Agroecological Transformation. Women farmers in Nabdam are part of a global movement, where millions of women play critical roles in ensuring food security and healthy diets. A rights-based approach to agroecology champions women as central agents in this transformation, enhancing their access to resources and decision-making roles. This strategy, applied internationally, advances sustainable agriculture that fosters resilience to economic and environmental stressors. Through gender-equitable and rights-centered agroecological practices, women can drive food sovereignty, strengthen community health, and build a sustainable agricultural future. 

• We Propose Scaling Sustainable Agroecology Demands Ongoing Training and Resources. Providing regular, tailored workshops empowers women farmers with innovative practices suited to their unique environmental challenges. By partnering with global entities to secure access to seeds, organic fertilizers, and modern tools, women farmers can unlock agroecology’s full potential, achieving food security and economic stability while ensuring farming practices remain resilient and adaptable. 

• Climate adaptation is essential for global agricultural resilience. Equipping women farmers with drought-resistant crops, water-saving techniques, and climate-smart practices builds their capacity to weather changing conditions. These strategies, supported by training and technology, can sustain crop yields and food supplies worldwide, helping women lead the charge in securing a resilient agricultural future. 

• Building regional markets for organic produce is transformative for women-led agroecology. Connecting women with new markets through fair trade practices, certifications, and marketing strategies can increase incomes and sustainability. Access to premium markets motivates the global adoption of sustainable farming and fosters financial independence for women farmers, thereby reinforcing agroecological benefits in Nabdam and beyond. 

• We Propose Strengthening Women’s Policy Engagement in Ghana: Ensuring that women farmers have a voice in policy discussions can bring about substantial agricultural reforms in Ghana. By participating actively in policy creation, women can push for more inclusive resource allocation, support systems, and recognition of their role in food security. Empowering women as policy advocates ensures their contributions to sustainable agriculture are acknowledged, encouraging national-level progress toward inclusive agricultural development. 

Conclusion 

The Women Forum on Agroecology in the Nabdam District, Ghana, under the CIRAWA Project-Ghana, has made significant strides in promoting sustainable farming practices and empowering women farmers. This dialogue showcases the vital role women farmers play not only in local food security but as leaders in sustainable, rights-based agroecological transformations. Through enhanced training, strategic resource allocation, climate-resilient farming techniques, and strengthened market and policy engagement, women farmers in Nabdam and similar regions globally are equipped to address critical challenges. Their participation as advocates and agents of change sets a foundation for resilient and inclusive agricultural practices that can withstand environmental and economic pressures.  

This multifaceted support system fosters an ecosystem where women are empowered to lead agroecological innovations that advance community health, local economies, and sustainable development. We believe that together, these initiatives lay the groundwork for a more equitable and resilient global food system that champions women as both the backbone and the visionaries of sustainable agriculture. 

References 

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020. Retrieved from FAO.org 
2. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2011). The Role of Women in Agriculture. Retrieved from FAO.org 
3. United Nations Environment Programme. (2016). Global Gender and Environment Outlook 2016. Retrieved from UNEP.org  

This article is a contribution from CIRAWA consortium member, the FIDEP Foundation.