Agribusiness Mariseth Farms, run by women, collects over $1 million to amplify the farming operations of smallholder farmers in Ghana.
In a significant development for Ghana's agricultural sector, Mariseth Farms, an agribusiness focusing on key crops like oil palm, soy, and maize, has secured over $1 million in funding. This investment, provided by RDF Ghana, Sahel Capital, and ABSA Bank, is expected to significantly advance Mariseth Farms' mission of empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women.
The new funding will allow for the recruitment of more extension officers, the growth of the smallholder supplier network, and the expansion of in-house crop production. Half and 80% of Mariseth Farms' employees are women, reflecting the company's commitment to gender equality.
Mariseth Farms, led by CEO Marian Ofori Twumasi, has been a pioneer in driving agribusiness growth in Ghana, particularly for women smallholder farmers. This investment will enable the business to deepen its impact by improving economic opportunities and agricultural productivity.
The funds will support scalable, tech-driven interventions aligned with Mariseth Farms’ goal of building a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector in Ghana. These investments in technology and infrastructure aim to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access, which are key barriers for smallholder farmers in Ghana.
Gena Perry, Exec. Director of WISHH, has joined the board, and John Scicchitano, Partner at Pangea Africa, has been named Board Chair, as of January 2025. Yaw Oppong, CEO of RDF Ghana, expressed that investing in Mariseth is key to improving rural livelihoods and driving sustainable agricultural development.
Mariseth Farms' mission extends beyond profit, aiming to empower smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, and scale sustainable agriculture in Ghana's rural communities. Marian Ofori Twumasi, CEO of Mariseth Farms, stated that the capital is proof that women are driving agribusiness growth in Ghana.
Sources: [1] Mariseth Farms Secures $1 Million Investment. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.marisethfarms.com/news/mariseth-farms-secures-1-million-investment [2] Mariseth Farms: Empowering Women Smallholder Farmers in Ghana. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.wissh.org/mariseth-farms-empowering-women-smallholder-farmers-in-ghana
The investment secured by Mariseth Farms will foster growth in their business operations, as the funds will be used for recruiting extension officers, expanding the smallholder supplier network, and increasing in-house crop production. This financial support aligns with Mariseth Farms' commitment to driving agribusiness growth and empowering women smallholder farmers in Ghana.
