About Us

Discover the Story, Values, and Purpose Driving Our Mission to Empower Rural Women Across Communities.

Our Story

Development Frontiers Women Co-operative (DFWC) is an association of women shea collectors and aggregators founded in 2010 in East Gonja Municipality. It is comprised of over three thousand seventy-six (3076) women in groups in thirty-five (35) communities in the Municipality and now expanded to include 4 other districts.

DFWC emanated as women group beneficiaries of a number of interventions carried out in the past by Development Frontiers, a local NGO. Following the implementation of different livelihood activities in the East Gonja District and others such as Zabzugu District, Mion District, North East Gonja and Karaga Districts, the beneficiary groups decided to form an umbrella cooperative across the locations to improve cooperative action and penetrate the market for especially shea and gari.

Our Trusted Parners

Who We Are?

Our Mission

To champion the economic and social transformation of rural women through collective action.

Our Vision

A sustainable and equitable society that empowers rural women to achieve economic and social justice and to actively participate in community development.

Our Values

  • Honesty
  • Self-Help
  • Team work
  • Co-Creation
  • Transparency
  • Empowerment
  • Caring for Others
  • Social Responsibility
  • Equality and Inclusiveness

What We Do

We work to empower women, strengthen livelihoods, and promote inclusive community development across Northern Ghana.

Our Programs

At Development Frontiers Women Cooperatives, Our programs focus on building resilient women-led enterprises, supporting sustainable shea value chains, and advocating for gender equality and social inclusion.

Through partnerships with development organizations, donors, and community stakeholders, we design and implement programs that improve economic opportunities for women while promoting sustainable natural resource management.

Women’s Economic Empowerment

We support women shea collectors, processors, and traders by strengthening their capacity to participate effectively in local and international markets. Our initiatives improve access to finance, markets, and infrastructure to increase women's income and economic independence.

Shea Value Chain Development

The shea sector remains a critical source of livelihood for rural women. We implement programs that enhance sustainable shea production, improve processing techniques, and strengthen market access for women-led cooperatives across Northern Ghana.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Our work promotes gender equality by supporting women’s participation in decision-making processes and advocating for policies that protect the rights and economic opportunities of women and marginalized groups.

Advocacy and Inclusive Development

We collaborate with civil society networks and community leaders to promote accountability, strengthen local governance, and ensure that development programs respond to the needs of women and rural communities.

Climate and Environmental Sustainability

Through initiatives such as improved shea processing centers and environmental conservation programs, we promote sustainable practices that protect natural resources while enhancing community livelihoods.

Our Commitment

01

Background

Development Frontiers Women Cooperative (DFWC) is a multipurpose association of women farmers, shea collectors and butter and gari processors founded in 2010 in the East Gonja district in the Savannah region of Ghana.

02

Membership

It is comprised of over three thousand (3000) women in groups in thirty-five (35) communities.

03

Expansion

Although the cooperatives’ initial groups were solely drawn from East Gonja district, it has currently expanded to include Zabzugu, Mion and Karaga districts in the northern region.

04

Safeguards

DFWC strives to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members and stakeholders, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion or physical ability. The cooperative works to promote a culture of respect and tolerance among members and stakeholders. As a result, the cooperative does not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination or violence. Consequently, the cooperative continually provides training and education to members on safety and security best practices.

Our Portfolio

A showcase of the projects and impact of our work across communities.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Shea (GESI–SHEA)

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in the Shea Value Chain Promoting Equal Opportunities for Women in the Shea Economy The Challenge…

Shea Women Traders Access to Public Warehouse (BUSAC)

Improving Market Access for Women Shea Traders Connecting Rural Women to Better Markets The Challenge Many women shea traders face challenges…

Action for Voice and Inclusive Development (AVID)

Strengthening Women’s Voice in Community Development Ensuring Women Participate in Decisions That Affect Their Lives The Challenge Women in many rural…

What People Say

Voices from the women and partners we work with.

Meet Our Team

Zakaria Iddi

Executive Director

Iddrisu Zulhairu

Finance & Administrative Officer

Fuseini Issah

Development & Sustainability Officer

Victoria Bidnakin

Gender & Grants Officer

Life-changing moments start here.

A small step can change lots of lives.

How Women Multiply Their Income Through Our Model

Get the free guide and discover how rural women grow skills, access markets, and build leadership through the DFWC system.