In the village of Champa, in northern Ghana, 28-year-old Ernestina has found a way forward for her family, her farm, and her future.

As a smallholder farmer and a mother of two, Ernestina faces a host of challenges. Her husband passed away last year, leaving her solely responsible for their children—a daughter who recently completed high school and a son in junior high. With education fees, healthcare costs, and daily expenses, the journey has not been easy. Yet, Ernestina’s resolve to care for her family and improve her community is unwavering.

When a friend told Ernestina about Sinapi Aba’s SEED Program, she felt it was the chance she needed. Through the program, she received a microloan of 3,500 cedi, as well as specialized training in good agricultural practices and business support. She initially planned to improve her brewing business, making a special drink from Guinea corn, a local crop. Though she nearly gave up along the way, she used the loan to purchase more Guinea corn, successfully revamping her small business.

Inspired by her progress, Ernestina saw the potential to grow even further, and she decided to start farming groundnuts on a larger scale.

Ernestina’s training also introduced her to new farming techniques, giving her the tools to expand beyond her farm. Last year, she harvested three bags of groundnuts, a milestone that allowed her to provide for her family more sustainably. This year, she’s added a yam crop to her farm, determined to produce food for her family instead of buying it. Her ambition to expand has grown alongside her confidence, and she now dreams of using her business to create jobs and opportunity for her neighbours in Champa.

Ernestina’s vision doesn’t stop at her farm. She hopes her children will also thrive and make an impact, with her daughter becoming a doctor and her son a teacher. Thanks to Opportunity’s support, Ernestina is building a future where her family and community can thrive, and where the potential in every harvest, every season, brings greater opportunity and lasting change.