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SHINE Project makes a positive impact on rural community women’s income generation

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In the rural community of Gaani, in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region, women usually engage in petty trade and subsistence farming, earning meager incomes.

Previous Experience Scholastica Alloah, a 38-year-old mother of three from Gaani, transformed her life through the SHINE Project. Previously struggling with a small 1.75-acre farm and an annual income of Gh¢ 3,000, she faced food shortages and financial difficulties.

The Turning Point for Scholastica With support from SHINE, including a Gh¢ 5,000 starter pack, training, and access to loans, Scholastica expanded her farm to 5 acres, improved crop yields, and diversified into vegetable processing. Her income increased to Gh¢ 14,400, ensuring year-round food security, paying school fees, and creating jobs in her community.

Transformation Through Empowerment Now Chairperson of a Farmer-Based Organization, Scholastica actively leads in her community and inspires other women to pursue self-sufficiency. She credits SHINE for her transformation and continues to strive for greater progress.

“SHINE has come in to help farmers, especially women. It has been very educative and empowering for women in agribusiness. It has also trained many of us as incubators to be innovative in farming, especially in vegetable production. Peppers, tomatoes, onions, and other perishable crops often go to waste, but SHINE has trained us in value addition. Now, I process onion powder, tomato powder, and even tomato paste. However, we are currently focusing on drying processes to maintain natural vegetable quality. SHINE has significantly impacted our lives, empowering women in our communities and villages. It has also introduced farming as a business.”

Charity’s Story Previously a petty trader at Yikene in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Charity had little income and did not keep proper records. She shares how SHINE transformed her business:

“I was lucky to be part of the SHINE project when they arrived two and a half years ago. As a member, I received training on gender equality, effective farming techniques, and the use of organic fertilizers. They also provided training at regional and district levels.

I have benefited greatly. As a businesswoman, they trained us on business management and development. My income has increased from less than Gh¢ 3,000 to over Gh¢ 10,000.”

The Sustainable Development, Human Rights, Inclusive and Equity (SHINE) Project, a three-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Canadian Feed the Children and implemented by TradeAid Integrated, has left a lasting impact on rural women in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Bolgatanga Municipality, and the Bongo and Tongo districts of the Upper East Region.

Atampika Moses’ Experience A vegetable farmer in the Bongo District, Atampika Moses expanded from less than an acre to a five-acre farm with SHINE’s support:

“I used to farm less than an acre, and because my produce was perishable, much of it spoiled due to a lack of market access. With SHINE, I now farm more than five acres. I also received training on processing tomatoes, onions, and peppers into powder form. Now, my produce does not go to waste, and my income has increased significantly.”

Project Achievements The SHINE project focused on empowering rural livelihoods through business incubation, increased agricultural yield, agricultural processing, agribusiness, and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA), among other support initiatives.

Findings from an assessment and evaluation conducted by Mr. Anthony Osei Asare, the project consultant, revealed that the project has been highly beneficial to both men and women participants:

  • Economic Empowerment: Women and girls transitioned from subsistence farming to income-generating agribusinesses, improving household incomes, financing education, and ensuring food security.
  • Increased Productivity: The provision of agricultural inputs and equipment reduced labor-intensive tasks, enhanced productivity, and promoted sustainable farming practices.
  • Social and Cultural Transformation: The project challenged traditional norms by granting women access to land, improving gender dynamics, and fostering collaboration in households and communities.
  • Skills Development: Women and girls gained modern farming, business, and marketing skills, enabling them to diversify income streams and explore new market opportunities.
  • Financial Autonomy: Access to low-interest loans through VSLAs empowered women to scale agribusiness ventures, invest in their businesses, and achieve financial independence.

Ensuring Sustainability The Executive Director of TradeAid Integrated, Mr. Nicolas Apokerah, emphasized that although the project has ended, TradeAid Integrated will continue to work with beneficiaries to ensure sustainability:

“For us, TradeAid is a growing concern, so we will continue to work with the communities. The evaluation report highlighted social and community measures we have already put in place. The incubation program will continue, integrating SHINE’s agricultural focus with our existing initiatives in crafts, agribusiness, and ICT.

We have also formalized the Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) into a regional cooperative union. One major challenge farmers face is marketing, so we aim to improve marketing arrangements and introduce e-commerce solutions to help them sell their produce.

The VSLA, which is now widely accepted in the region, will be supported by our farmer credit fund program to strengthen savings and provide capital for business growth. As far as we are concerned, the work is not done yet. We will continue to support these communities and build on the successes of the SHINE project.”

Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1Mhz | Samuel Adagom | Bolgatanga

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