Cultivating Opportunities: A Woman’s Path to Growth in Agriculture

Thanks to the Green Business Competitions for MSMEs — an incubation programme supported by the German Development Corporation and implemented by the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre — Marian has transformed her business model, adopted sustainable farming techniques, and significantly improved her operations.

The programme’s technical assistance, capacity-building sessions, and funding opportunities empowered Marian to scale her business while embracing environmentally friendly practices.
The impact of the Green Business Competitions for MSMEs has been profound. Since implementing the strategies learned, Mariseth Farms has seen a 20% increase in sales, has employed 4 additional people and established itself as a model for climate resilience in agriculture.

The training, including the Women Entrepreneurship Transformation Programme (WETP), has enhanced Marian’s leadership skills, allowing her to build a supportive team environment while pursuing ongoing learning and development.

Beyond her own success, Marian’s journey inspires other women in agriculture to embrace sustainable practices and overcome industry barriers.

Mariseth Farms specializes in large-scale oil palm cultivation to meet the growing demand for palm products in Ghana. Operating in Sefwi Nkronua, Bibiani, and Kadei, the company employs 37 full-time and 100 part-time workers, driving economic empowerment in these rural communities. However, Marian’s success did not come easily.

The traditional method of oil palm production is environmentally detrimental, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2000 and 2016, oil palm cultivation accounted for 25-30% of annual global deforestation and emitted approximately 1.77 GtCO2e—comparable to the emissions produced by 385 million cars in a single year.

For countries like Ghana, where palm oil is both culturally significant and economically vital, the challenge lies in balancing production with sustainability.

Determined to do things differently, Marian implemented climate-smart strategies, including the use of organic fertilizers, integrated pest management, and reforestation projects. These efforts come with challenges, such as high costs and resistance from stakeholders, but Marian remains steadfast in her commitment to sustainability. “These innovations are crucial not only for my business’s resilience but also for the broader goal of environmental sustainability,” she explains.

Navigating the male-dominated agricultural sector has also tested Marian’s resolve. She has faced societal expectations, struggled to secure land ownership as a woman, and experienced limited networking opportunities.

With support from the Green Business Competitions for MSMEs, she overcame these barriers, gaining the tools and confidence to lead her business to success.

The GCIC-Green Business Competitions for MSMEs supports 60 small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana, equipping them with business advisory services, technical support, and funding to grow and scale their green business models.

During peak harvest seasons, post-harvest losses can be substantial, with unsold palm fruits often left to rot. Leading to anaerobic decomposition that releases potent methane—a greenhouse gas far more powerful than carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Thanks to support from the Green Business competition, Mariseth Farms has now acquired a modern palm processing line—complete with digesters that convert fresh palm fruits into value-added products like oil and bio-resources. Instead of allowing waste to rot and pollute, the farm can process almost all of its harvest. This avoids methane emissions and turns what was once lost into a profit-generating, climate-smart resource.

Reflecting on her journey, Marian is optimistic about the future. “Despite the financial, societal, and cultural barriers, I remain committed to expanding my business while supporting sustainable agriculture and inspiring other women to pursue similar paths in the industry,” she says. For Marian and GIZ, success is not just personal; it’s about contributing to a more climate-resilient future for Ghana.

Her determination recently paid off, with Mariseth Farms securing $560,000 in funding to scale soybean production and empower more farmers with the tools, training, and market access they need. It’s a milestone that reinforces her belief that sustainable farming is both a business opportunity and a responsibility to the planet.

Click this link to read more: Mariseth Farms secures $560 ,000 in funding to boost soyabean farming and empower farmers - GCIC