Our Success Story

Breaking Barriers: Northern Ghana’s First Woman-led Seed Producer Reshapes Roles in Agribusiness

image

Seed production is a lifeline for farmers across Ghana. High-quality seeds are the foundation of food security, determining the yield, resilience, and profitability of crops. Yet, access to certified seeds remains a challenge for many smallholder farmers, limiting their productivity and income.

Dinmbone Farm Gates, the only woman-led seed production and input supply enterprise in Ghana’s Northern Region, is changing this reality. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, the business is ensuring farmers have access to improved seeds and is reshaping women’s role in agribusiness in the region.

Overcoming barriers to growth

Located in Nyankpala, Tamale, Dinmbone Farm Gates (DFG) specializes in the production of foundation and certified seeds for cowpea, soybean, groundnuts, maize, and rice. The enterprise also engages in input sales, distribution, and seed production training for farmers. Today, DFG reaches over 500 smallholder farmers and has tripled its permanent staff. But DFG’s path to success has not always been easy.

The enterprise, founded by Dr. Sanatu Mustapha Alidu, faced significant obstacles that limited its expansion and ability to meet market demand. Limited access to mechanization services, including tractors and threshers, delayed planting and harvesting, leading to reduced crop yields. Environmental threats like bushfires further threatened production and yields.

Read more