Female farmers in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region are calling for urgent government intervention to modernize their agricultural practices. Primarily engaged in rice cultivation, these women have highlighted that their reliance on manual tools like hoes and cutlasses is severely limiting their productivity and causing physical exhaustion.
They are appealing for the provision of tractors, spraying machines, agrochemicals, and basic safety gear like wellington boots to transform their operations from subsistence to a more commercially viable scale.
Cynthia Ohenewaa, the chairperson of the women’s farmer group, emphasized that while women are central to national food security, they are often the least supported in the sector. She noted that many young women are discouraged from entering agriculture due to the lack of modern equipment.
Despite these hurdles, she continues to advocate for female participation in farming as a primary tool for poverty alleviation and regional self-sufficiency.
Responding to these concerns, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South, Bright Lenwah, acknowledged that agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy. He committed to providing immediate support in the form of logistics and protective boots.
Furthermore, the MCE pledged to lobby the central government to secure tractors and larger machinery, aligning with the national vision to boost the income levels of rural women and stabilize food prices across the country.
