Well-oiled agricultural value chains build prosperous rural communities. Why? Because they allow small-scale farmers to make the most of their produce – and because each link along the chain can add value, enabling them to earn more for the final product. Value chains can be short or long. Take mushrooms, for example. They can be grown, picked, wiped clean, and then sold directly to the consumer. Alternatively, they can be
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it is essential to reflect on the progress made in gender equality, particularly in critical sectors for global sustainability, such as agriculture. The commitment of PAFO to gender inclusivity in agriculture is a commendable step towards a more equitable and resilient future. By establishing the Continental Women’s College within PAFO, the pan-African organization aims to amplify the voices of rural women, ensuring they
The world unites this International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. As the United Nations emphasizes, investing in women is not just the right thing to do. It is essential for solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Across Africa, women are leading the charge in various sectors, from agriculture and business to climate action and social justice. Yet, they continue to face significant
In the heart of Burkina Faso, a silent yet powerful revolution is taking shape, transforming the lives of rural women and redefining the management of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). This is the story of the Association for Development through Existing Resources and Services in the Sahel (ADRESSE), an organization that has made the valorization of NTFPs in the Zondoma province a model for sustainable local development and women’s empowerment. This
The cheers erupting from more than 500 students filling the auditorium at Kumasi Technical Institute in Ghana could be mistaken for cheers inspired by a football match. But instead of a football match, the cheers were in support of student participants in the first TVET Quiz competition, which took place on Jan. 18 and 19, 2024. The event was part of an effort to encourage young women in technical and
With a median age of 19, Africa has the youngest population in the world. This demographic dynamism presents a compelling case for governments, international organizations, the private sector, and more to prioritize the creation of professional opportunities for youth across the continent. At the event convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), AGRA and the CGIAR Gender Platform
In the orchards of innovation and on the fertile grounds of mutual support, the Regional College of Women of ROPPA (RCW) has left its mark on the PAFO Rural Women’s Forum in Tunis from 23 to 24 October 2023. This gathering, which brought together rural women from all five regions of Africa, was a crucible of enriching exchanges and mutual strengthening. Mrs. Halima TIOUSSO, president of the College, eloquently shared
This International Day of Care and Support, Farm Radio is pleased to announce its new Knowledge Sharing About Unpaid Care in sub-Saharan Africa project. Care work — caring for children, the elderly and other vulnerable people, as well as performing other household chores — often falls to women. Globally, women perform 76.2 per cent of the total amount of unpaid care work — spending three times more time on it than men.
The Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) will hold its 6th Ordinary General Assembly in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 23 to 28, 2023. It will be hosted by the Maghreb and North African Farmers’ Union (UMNAGRI), a member of PAFO. Several events will be organized on this occasion, including the Rural Women’s Forum, the Agroecology Workshop, the Workshop on “Mapping of Farmer Organizations (FOs) and African Local Agricultural Products,” the Mid-Term Evaluation
International Day of Rural Women is observed on October 15 every year to recognize their vital role in food systems and rural development. From the production of crops to the processing, preparation and distribution of food, women’s work paid and unpaid feeds their families, communities and the world. However, they do not exercise equal power with men, and therefore earn less income and experience higher food insecurity. To mark and
