Training needs for women in food and fibre sector

Beyond the Farm: Recognizing Women’s Role in Agriculture and Disease Surveillance In many rural and peri-urban communities, women are not just farmers—they are vital frontline defenders against diseases that threaten both people and animals. From tending to livestock and processing food to reporting unusual animal deaths or child illnesses, women are often the first to notice signs of outbreaks—yet their voices are rarely included in formal surveillance systems. 🔍 Why does this matter? Because if we continue to overlook women in surveillance structures, we are ignoring half the solution to preventing the next epidemic. 📌Women in agriculture need: 1. Access to One Health training 2. Inclusion in community-based surveillance systems 3. Representation in decision-making platforms As we strengthen global health systems, let’s invest in women’s knowledge, experiences, and leadership beyond the farm. 📣 It’s time to redesign surveillance systems with women—not just for them. #OneHealth #WomenInAgriculture #DiseaseSurveillance #GenderEquity Women in Global Health Nigeria

This week I attended the Youth Entrepreneurship For the Future of Food and Agriculture organized by AGRA and Mastercard Foundation where I made my submissions on the Gender Nexus recognizing the efforts that Pan African Climate Justice Alliance PACJA, KENYA PLATFORM FOR CLIMATE GOVERNANCE and Nairobi summer school on climate justice Summer school are making intentional involvement of more young women in the climate space. To design gender-inclusive policies and programs that support young female farmers, several key factors should be considered: 1. Access to land and resources: - Implement land reform policies that ensure women have equal rights to own, inherit, and use land - Provide targeted credit and financial services tailored to young women's needs and circumstances 2. Education and training: - Develop agricultural education programs specifically aimed at young women - Offer mentorship opportunities connecting experienced female farmers with younger ones - Provide training on modern farming techniques, technology, and business management 3. Technology and innovation: - Promote access to and training on agricultural technologies that can reduce labor burdens - Support women-led innovation in farming practices and tools 4. Market access: - Create programs to connect young female farmers with markets and value chains - Support women's agricultural cooperatives and associations 5. Child care and family support: - Implement policies that provide childcare support for farming families - Promote shared household responsibilities to allow women more time for farming activities 6. Gender-sensitive extension services: - Train agricultural extension workers on gender-inclusive approaches - Ensure female representation among extension workers 7. Decision-making and leadership: - Promote women's participation in agricultural policy-making and local governance - Support women's leadership in farmer organizations and rural institutions 8. Cultural and social norms: - Engage community leaders and men in promoting gender equality in agriculture - Implement awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes about women in farming 9. Health and safety: - Address specific health and safety concerns of women in agriculture - Provide access to reproductive health services in rural areas 10. Data collection and analysis: - Collect gender-disaggregated data on young farmers to inform policy-making - Conduct regular assessments of the impact of policies on young female farmers Happy to have met other Agriculture and Food Systems Champions like Amanda Namayi. #Gender #ClimateJustice #NCSSJ4 #ClimateAction

Following the 2018–19 #drought in Puntland, women from #pastoral families of Balley village turned to #agriculture as a new #livelihood, supported by Norwegian Church Aid / Kirkens Nødhjelp’s #greenhouse and #irrigation initiatives. Through training in good agricultural practices, #women gained the skills to manage #farming independently. Last week, I had the chance to engage with three remarkable women #farmers: Sadia Xaji Farah, Saida Hassan, and Faduma Said, which provided me with valuable insights. 1️⃣ #Adapting to Change: The shift from pastoralism to farming during the drought underscores the need for adaptability to environmental challenges. When traditional #livelihoods fail, alternative options, supported by training, can enhance #resilience. 2️⃣ #Empowerment Through #CapacityBuilding: Women trained in vital agricultural skills, enhancing independent #management and #confidence. This initiative emphasises investing in #skill development for marginalized groups to ensure #sustainable livelihoods. 3️⃣ #Community-Based Solutions: The women-operated greenhouse showcases community-based farming. Their collective effort, rooted in #tradition, highlights #LocalSolutions where involvement and shared responsibilities ensure success and sustain the initiative over time. 4️⃣ #Nutrition and #Health Impact: Saida Hassan emphasizes better access to nutritious food for them, particularly for pregnant and lactating mothers, highlighting the health benefits. These initiatives address food insecurity and promote long-term health for vulnerable groups. 5️⃣ #Gendered Roles and Workload Management: Rotational engagements in farming enable women to participate in #economic activities while balancing household and #community responsibilities. Faduma Said’s explanation that pregnant and lactating women are advised to refrain from agricultural work highlights the importance of incorporating gender-specific health considerations into the programs. 6️⃣ #Market Linkages: Surplus produce sold locally shows how agricultural interventions stimulate economies and enhance financial independence. Market access is crucial for sustainable farming, generating #income and empowering women economically. 7️⃣ #Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: The greenhouse, managed by village women, shows the program is designed for sustainability. Once trained, they can independently maintain it, ensuring long-term impact and reducing reliance on external aid. I felt privileged to engage with the women farmers of Balley village and witness the effectiveness of community-led agricultural programs. These initiatives not only provide #SustainableLivelihoods for women but also tackle #nutrition and health challenges. It highlights the importance of culturally appropriate, gender-sensitive, and adaptable interventions that empower local communities to overcome challenges and thrive. 17.04.2025

The Harsh Realities: #Women Artificial Insemination Technicians in India As the demand for skilled professionals in the dairy sector grows, women are stepping into roles as #Artificial #Insemination #Technicians (#AIT s), playing a crucial part in improving livestock productivity. However, despite their contributions, these women face significant challenges that hinder their success and impact. Key #Challenges ▫️Many women in rural areas struggle to access quality training programs for AI techniques ▫️Cultural norms often restrict their mobility and ability to participate, leading to a lack of skilled female AITs in the field. ▫️Women AITs frequently encounter discrimination from male farmers and colleagues who may doubt their capabilities. This lack of respect can undermine their confidence and effectiveness in their roles. ▫️Women AITs often work in precarious conditions, with limited job security and low pay. Many are paid per insemination, which can lead to inconsistent income. (A study says, women in agriculture earn 20-30% less than their male counterparts) ▫️Women are expected to manage domestic duties alongside their professional roles, limiting their career advancement. ▫️Women AITs working in remote areas face safety risks while traveling to provide services any hour. The lack of safe transportation options can deter women from pursuing this profession. (A report by #NDDB indicates that while women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, they hold only 10% of positions in technical roles like AI technicians) The Need for Change ▫️The challenges faced by women AITs highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to empower them in this critical role. Addressing these issues requires: ▫️Developing accessible, high-quality training programs specifically designed for women to build their skills and confidence in AI techniques. ▫️Initiatives to change societal perceptions and promote the importance of women in technical roles within the dairy sector. ▫️Implementing policies that provide financial support and job security for women AITs, ensuring they can thrive in their roles without compromising their safety or well-being. By investing in #training, #support, and #advocacy, we can create a more inclusive environment that empowers women in the dairy sector. #WomenInAgriculture #ArtificialInsemination #WomenEmpowerment #Dairy #RuralDevelopment #GenderEquality #AIT #Shwetdhara #CSR #NGO

Kenya Leads on Gender-Responsive Food Security at CFS 53 🇰🇪 | A Call to Action for Africa A compelling report from Kenya, presented at the 53rd Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 53), highlights a crucial pathway to tackling Africa's persistent food security crisis: empowering women. Africa's food security challenges—driven by the devastating combination of climate shocks, conflicts, food price inflation, and limited agricultural investment—are compounded by existing gender inequalities. The Gendered Face of Food Insecurity The facts are stark: Women are the primary nutritionists, food vendors, traders, and farmers in households, yet they disproportionately bear the burden of food insecurity. The inflation of food prices exacerbates gender inequality, often leading women to forfeit their own meals or accept the worst quality food to ensure the rest of the family eats. Kenya's Policy Framework: Intentional Empowerment Kenya is taking a progressive, intentional approach through robust policy frameworks designed to address these systemic issues: Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Empowerment: Kenya has committed to directing 50% of CSA training, resources, and technology empowerment specifically to women. This acknowledges their role as key agricultural producers and builds their resilience against climate shocks. Nutrition Planning: National nutrition plans are intentionally focusing on women as the specific individuals and caregivers critical to household nutrition, recognizing that empowering them is the most direct route to improving family health and dietary diversity. By shifting policy to intentionally empower women with resources and knowledge, Kenya offers a powerful, replicable model for other African nations struggling with complex food system challenges. #CFS53 #FoodSecurity #GenderEquality #ClimateSmartAgriculture #Kenya #AfricanFoodSystems #WomensEmpowerment