Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Women in rural Ghana are involved in all facets of the food chain and are considered to be the backbone of the rural economy that sustains the country. Yet, they face many obstacles: they lack access to credit, technology, and agricultural training. Apart from farming and related activities, the Ghanaian rural woman is endowed with indigenous knowledge and entrepreneurial skills that form the basis for engaging in income generating activities as shown in the example of Hannah.

Hannah travels throughout the south of Ghana selling the soap made by the women of the Bipoa Community. With the profit she makes from the soap, Hannah is able to pay her children's school fees and her own medication. Hannah suffers from high blood pressure as well as a mild liver disease and kidney disease. Nevertheless she works hard to provide for her family.

Hannah wants to start a second business of tie-dye clothing and is waiting for another loan so she can achieve her dreams of providing well for her family.