Women’s involvement critical for the growth of agriculture
By Kedidimetse van der Westhuizen
Women across the globe are making significant strides in the agricultural sector, and their contributions are being recognized as crucial to the development of the industry. For a long time, women were marginalized in professional work in the sector, and their contributions were deemed to be of a subsistence nature. However, this narrative is slowly changing, and women are actively involved in various agricultural activities, thanks to many resources being availed to them to assist them in this regard.
African Women Farmers Allies (AFWA) is one such organization that is championing women’s leadership in agriculture. According to Nteba Sentsho, AFWA’s co-founder, the movement focuses on assisting women with several issues, including assistance with application for finance, agriculture, climate change, smart energy, health and wellness, education, and technology. Sentsho emphasized that agriculture is an important engine of growth and poverty reduction in many communities, and women are champions in spearheading food security in households and ultimately nations.
Sentsho further explained that AFWA seeks to visualize the role of women in agriculture, adding that the agricultural sector is underperforming in many countries because women, who are often a crucial resource in agriculture and the rural economy, face constraints that reduce their productivity.
“AFWA is committed to uniting women and ensuring that we do not work in silos but in unity to feed the nations. Children of the North, South, West, and East need women to stand in the forefront to ensure food security,” she added.
AFWA’s network is expanding rapidly, with networks already established in five countries. The organization is committed to bringing together women from different agricultural backgrounds to create a united front that will ensure food security across the continent. Recently, the network launched in Botswana and celebrated Women’s Day with a picnic where women from different agricultural denominations came together to share experiences, network, and empower each other.
The event was a great success, with women from Lesotho also attending to show their support. The picnic was a platform for women to discuss their challenges and brainstorm ideas on how to overcome them. The women were encouraged to share their stories and learn from each other’s experiences.
AFWA plans to continue expanding its network, creating more opportunities for women to come together and share their knowledge and expertise. Through these networks, AFWA hopes to empower women to become leaders in agriculture and create a sustainable future for generations to come. Additionally, AFWA aims to provide women with discounted or free industry resources and publications to help them grow their businesses and thrive in the agricultural sector.
