Sisala east: Newage Agric Solutions Ltd, in collaboration with Chi-Gaba, has successfully conducted an intensive two-day alternative livelihood skills training for 200 young women under the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Program. This initiative focuses on equipping participants with practical skills beyond traditional farming, aiming to enhance economic opportunities for women in the Upper West Region.
According to Ghana Web, the HAPPY Program is a collaborative effort between the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited, facilitated by an eight-member consortium that includes Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. The program's objective is to create meaningful job opportunities for young people, particularly women, within the rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry industries. The recent training, targeting women from Challu, Pieng, and Kulfuo communities, provided participants with essential skills in producing liquid soap, bar soap, and Tom Brown, as well as knowledge in product handling, hygiene standards, and entrepreneurship.
The training is part of a broader strategy to ensure year-round economic engagement for women, providing them with alternative income sources during the off-seasons. This initiative not only aims to enhance financial independence but also to boost household resilience and contribute to local economic development. By offering free training delivered by experienced professionals, Newage Agric Solutions Ltd reaffirms its commitment to improving the well-being of farmers beyond crop production.
Participants expressed their gratitude and excitement about the practical skills learned during the sessions. Doziera, one of the trainees, shared her enthusiasm: 'I can now make liquid soap and sell it to earn money to take care of my children. The training was very exciting, and I learned the correct processes and chemicals to use.' Another participant, Ajara, emphasized the effectiveness of Chi-Gaba's hands-on approach, stating, 'The process of making liquid soap here is different from what I was used to. Now I won't buy soap again; I will make my own.'
Through such initiatives, Newage Agric Solutions Ltd and Chi-Gaba highlight the importance of empowering farmers by providing them with sustainable and entrepreneurial skills, thereby creating lasting opportunities that uplift families and strengthen communities.