UN Women, Standard Bank collaborate to empower female farmers in Africa

UN Women and Standard Bank have joined forces in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping female farmers in Africa with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in the agricultural sector. This collaboration is closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on promoting gender equality, expanding access to decent work, and driving economic growth across the region. Nidhi Tandon, the Socio-economic Advisor for the East and Southern Africa Region at UN Women, sheds light on the impact and progress of the program. Tandon emphasizes the pivotal role that women play in the rural sector, highlighting their significant contributions to agricultural production and innovation. Through a series of studies and qualitative research, UN Women has identified a direct correlation between investing in women and poverty alleviation. This initiative spans 13 countries from Ethiopia to South Africa, leveraging investments in both monetary and non-monetary forms to empower approximately 50,000 women in countries like Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. One of the key focuses of the program is promoting sustainable farming practices to combat the challenges posed by climate change. By providing women with access to drought-resistant crops and technological tools for planning and forecasting, the initiative aims to enhance the resilience of female farmers in the face of environmental threats. Standard Bank's contribution of $3 million has been instrumental in supporting these efforts and driving innovation in the agricultural sector. Despite the progress made, Tandon acknowledges the persistent barriers that female farmers face, particularly regarding land ownership and access to markets. Many women in the program struggle to secure land rights and often have to pay rent for agricultural plots, underscoring the importance of addressing land tenure issues. To enhance market access, UN Women and partners are exploring opportunities within both informal and formal market channels, while also advocating for greater participation of women-owned businesses in public procurement and international trade. Looking ahead, the program is set to focus on capacity-building initiatives tailored to the specific needs of female farmers. From enhancing financial literacy to imparting scientific knowledge on soil management and biodiversity conservation, the program seeks to empower women with the skills and expertise necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. By incorporating smart technologies, such as ICTs for climate resilience and early warning systems, the initiative aims to equip women with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of climate change and ensure long-term sustainability in agriculture. In conclusion, the collaboration between UN Women and Standard Bank stands as a testament to the importance of empowering women in agriculture and fostering sustainable growth in the region. Through targeted investments, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the program is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of female farmers and contribute to the advancement of gender equality and economic development in Africa.