Adwoa Wiafe
MTN Ghana led by its Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, the La Nkwantang District Directors of Agriculture, and partners commemorated this year’s International Day of Rural Women, which was observed on October 15.
The event brought together local women farmers to discuss the importance of technology in agriculture.
Madam Adwoa Wiafe said MTN is committed to economic empowerment, hence the launch of the new initiative centered around smart farming—integrating technology into agricultural practices.
Madam Adwoa Wiafe stated that, “Digital methods of farming have the potential to enhance productivity.” The initiative will kick off with a pilot programme aimed at supporting 160 women in the La Nkwantang district.
The first cohort will consist of 40 to 50 women, who will be trained in modern farming techniques. “We want to see how this pilot goes before expanding further,” Adwoa Wiafe explained. “Our goal is to improve as we go along.”
Madam Adwoa Wiafe underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in developing sustainable livelihoods, particularly among marginalized communities. “Inclusion is key; we want to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to farming,” she said. “Women constitute a significant part of the agricultural workforce, and it is crucial to engage them in understanding the value of technology.”
She noted that women often manage small farms and engage in subsistence farming, making it challenging for them to expand their operations. “We want them to see the possibilities that exist and learn from successful examples in the field,” Madam Adwoa Wiafe added.
She also highlighted the role of young people in agriculture, noting that many are showcasing their work on social media and building customer bases. “Economic empowerment requires us to explore all available options,” she stated. “We need to provide opportunities for both youth and women to incorporate agriculture into their livelihoods.”
She added that to support these efforts, the MTN Foundation is collaborating with experienced advisors who will provide guidiance on improving farming productivity. Additionally, partners from various sectors will assist in establishing effective marketing channels for agricultural products.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke