More than 1,650 rural basket weavers now earn over US$400,000 annually through TradeAid Integrated’s Basket Weavers Market Support Project, a milestone highlighted as the organisation celebrated its 25th anniversary under the theme, “25 Years of Transforming, Advancing Livelihoods and Building Resilience.”
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Theophilus Azungaha, Dean of the Business School at Bolgatanga Technical University, said TradeAid Integrated’s interventions have strengthened rural economies, improved food security and helped thousands of households become more resilient over the past two and a half decades.
He emphasised the transformative impact of the Basket Weavers Market Support Project, noting its role in expanding market access and building a thriving craft value chain.
“We think of the Basket Weavers Market Support Project, which created sustainable market access for over 1,650 weavers. Today, eight modern craft centers stand in various communities, supporting a thriving value chain that generates over $400,000 annually for rural households. That is fantastic,” he said. “This is more than economic support. It is dignity, independence and cultural preservation.”
Several other initiatives were also recognised for their contribution to community development. The Integrated Livestock Programme, funded by Oxfam Great Britain, has supported more than 1,350 smallholder farmers with livestock and food security assistance. In the Bawku West District, the Local Initiative Fund has enabled over 1,200 women—many of them new mothers—to start small businesses that improve household wellbeing.
TradeAid’s work in the shea sector was highlighted as well. The Shea Butter Value Chain Project, supported by Oxfam Great Britain and SMV, has strengthened multiple groups of shea pickers and processors and contributed to the establishment of Shea Network Ghana, a national platform for women in the industry. Efforts to improve rice processing through the Quality Rights Project have further expanded opportunities for local processors.
Over the past decade, more than 15,000 people have benefited from the Income Project and related initiatives funded by Canadian Feed the Children, which have improved food security and strengthened household resilience. The Change Project, also supported by Canadian Feed the Children through Global Affairs Canada, has provided farmers with climate-smart training, agroforestry skills and community-level adaptation strategies.
“Over 10 years, these programs reached more than 15,000 people, improving food security, building livelihoods, and ensuring that households could withstand shocks and were built stronger,” Professor Azungaha said.
The Subscribe Project, funded by the French Development Agency and the French Environmental Facility, has diversified artisan support beyond basket weaving to include leather work, beads, smoke weaving and fabric production. TradeAid’s climate resilience work, supported by the African Development Bank, has also improved community access to accurate forecasting through local weather stations established with the Ghana Meteorological Service.
The Shine Project—focused on sustainable development, human rights, inclusion and equality—was also celebrated. Funded by Global Affairs Canada through Canadian Feed the Children, the project has supported young women across four districts, enabled 96 women to start their own businesses and expanded access to fertiliser, irrigation equipment and transport support. In total, more than 8,000 people across 60 communities have benefited.
“Shine empowered young women across four districts. Ninety-six women received capital to start businesses. Thousands of others benefited from fertilizer distribution, irrigation equipment, and transport support,” he said.
Reflecting on TradeAid Integrated’s 25-year journey, Professor Azungaha praised the organisation for delivering measurable progress—from stronger farms and food systems to empowered women, thriving artisans and more confident youth. He urged partners to scale up investment and collaboration to meet emerging challenges such as climate change and economic instability.
“I urge our partners, government, donors, private sector actors, and civil society to continue investing in community-led development. Every dollar invested here creates an impact that echoes for generations. To Trade Aid Integrated, your legacy is profound and your future is promising. You have built trust. You have built systems. More importantly, you have built people, and people remain the strongest foundation of any development dearly,” he said.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, may we commit to doing even more. May we continue to create opportunities that open doors, and may we continue to support women, youth, farmers, and artisans. And may TradeAid Integrated continue to shine as a model for grassroots transformation in Ghana and across Africa. Congratulations on 25 years of remarkable service. May the next 25 years be even more impactful,” he concluded.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
