As a freelance journalist, a wife, and a mother of two from Ashaiman, Sefakor Ferkpeh never imagined herself working in rice fields. But today, she proudly stands as a participant of the HAPPY Program, cultivating 2.2 hectares of rice with MiDA, a consortium partner of the HAPPY Program and Agrokings.
Sefakor learned about the HAPPY Program—an initiative of Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited—through her former boss during her university internship. Having written extensively on agribusiness, the opportunity sparked her curiosity.
“At first, I thought it might be a scam,” she admits with a smile. “But something told me to try. I applied and was eventually selected. I told myself—this is a golden opportunity to live the stories I’ve been writing.”
With no prior farming experience, Sefakor dove into the program eager to learn. Originally promised 2 hectares, she was given 2.2 hectares to cultivate. The support didn’t end there—participants received full input packages, accommodation near their farms, and three meals a day.
“What inspired me was seeing how many people were thriving in agriculture. I’ve covered their stories. Now I get to live one.”
Through her journey, Sefakor has harvested the field assigned to her—transforming from observer to active participant in Ghana’s agricultural future. Her firsthand experience has reshaped her understanding of the sector and inspired her to keep growing—both in farming and storytelling.
“Despite the challenges, I saw this program as a path to growth. I’m now not just a storyteller. I’m a HAPPY farmer.”
Sefakor’s journey reflects the heart of the HAPPY Program: providing meaningful opportunities for young people—especially women—to thrive in agriculture, gain real-world experience, and build dignified, fulfilling livelihoods.
