IFC Africa has reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with stakeholders to address gender disparities and unlock the potential of inclusive agribusiness value chains.
According to IFC Africa, agribusiness plays an essential role in creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and ensuring food security for an ever-expanding global population.
It said despite its importance, women face substantial barriers in accessing critical resources such as seeds, fertilizers, machinery, training programs, and financial services, which hinder their contributions to this vital sector.
The following three case studies illustrate how IFC has proactively responded to these challenges, empowering women and fostering economic development:
In Uganda:In collaboration with Grainpulse Limited., IFC implemented a training programme for over 1,200 women, focusing on best agricultural practices.
This initiative significantly boosted productivity and, as a result, tripled crop sales revenue, achieving an impressive total of $7.7 million.
By enhancing agricultural skills, the programme not only improved individual livelihoods, but also contributed to the broader economic landscape in the region.
In Côte d’Ivoire.and in partnership with Cargill, the IFC launched an innovative entrepreneurship project aimed at empowering over 2,000 women to establish and grow their own businesses.
This initiative proved transformative, lifting more than a third of its participants out of poverty.
By providing training, resources, and access to market opportunities, the project fostered self-reliance and economic independence among women in the community.
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In Rwanda, working in conjunction with the World Food Programme, the IFC offered training to nearly 15,000 women farmers, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge.
The initiative led to the formation of over 700 savings groups, which not only enabled financial management but also created a community of support and collaboration among women.
Additionally, the training resulted in a 15 percent increase in maize yields, underscoring the positive impact of empowering women in agriculture.
These projects clearly demonstrate the value of investing in women by providing them with financial literacy, technical training, and leadership skills.
The outcomes highlight significant economic benefits, such as increased productivity and revenue, as well as substantial social advantages, including poverty alleviation and community empowerment.
By closing gender gaps in agriculture, we can promote sustainable development and create a more equitable and prosperous future.
