Berenice Owen-Jones, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana | Photo by Penny Bradfield Auspic/DPS
From beekeeping in the north to snail farming in Accra, Australian aid to Ghana is proving that women are the backbone of climate-resilient agriculture.
Through its Direct Aid Program, the Australian Government has funded a wide range of community-driven agricultural projects that empower women with tools, training, and sustainable business models.
Projects in the last two years alone range from training women in oyster mushroom farming for nutrition and income stability during dry seasons to Agroecological farming initiatives that reduce chemical use while boosting productivity. Other significant projects also include support for Shea butter cooperatives through the Ghana Wildlife Society as well as the creation of hydroponic fish-vegetable systems for youth and women farmers.
All these came to light when Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Food and Agricultural Minister.
According to Berenice Owen-Jones, this people-centred approach runs parallel to Australia’s larger-scale investments in Ghana, including the $76 million AAPCRA initiative and long-standing support through the Australia Awards.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed that agriculture remains a top priority in bilateral aid, highlighting Australia’s commitment to equity, resilience, and community development in Ghana.
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