Economic Empowerment for 1000 Women in Cameroon.

Amid growing climatic, economic, and social challenges, women remain an essential pillar of agri food systems in Cameroon.

Family gardens established in Kumbo, Foumban, Foumbot and Galim, Cameroon, to improve food security for vulnerable households and generate income through the sale of surplus produce.

Amid growing climatic, economic, and social challenges, women remain an essential pillar of agrifood systems in Cameroon. They represent more than 60 percent of the agricultural workforce, according to national estimates, yet they continue to face numerous obstacles: limited access to land, insufficient production resources, difficulty accessing finance, and low representation in decisionmaking bodies.

Strengthening the economic power of rural women: a strategic priority

Over the past years, IAA has multiplied initiatives aimed at promoting the economic empowerment of women along agricultural value chains. Women’s groups supported by the Organization have recorded significant progress: increased production, improved incomes, and adoption of modern, resilient, and adapted agricultural techniques. These results demonstrate the decisive role of rural women in poverty reduction, the transformation of agrifood systems, and the consolidation of peace.

Nives Ayuvea: from survival to autonomy through vegetable cultivation

Originally from Kumbo and mother of six, Nives engaged early in food crop farming, a pillar of her autonomy and resilience. After a marriage marked by violence, she rebuilt her life with the support of her family and her determination to provide a better future for her children.

Vice President of the Farmer Field School (FFS) in her village, established with IAA support, Nives plays a key role in mobilizing and training community members. Thanks to the training received, she adopted climatesmart agriculture practices, modernized her farming techniques, and shared these innovations with other women and youth.

“I received several forms of support: improved vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers, as well as small farming tools such as machetes, watering cans and hoes. I also received technical training through the Farmer Field School approach, which enabled me to improve my agricultural practices and fully benefit from the improved seeds,” she said.

Previously, she cultivated mainly cassava, sweet potatoes, and sometimes cocoyam. Today, equipped with new skills, she has successfully developed a vegetable garden, poultry farm and now plans to venture into cassava processing.

IAA calls on public authorities, technical and financial partners, as well as the private sector and individual donors to strengthen investments in leadership, access to education, technical training, and the adoption of innovative technologies for the benefit of rural women.

According to Dungrila Pascal Mbimenyuy, IAA Founder/CEO, “Expanding economic opportunities for rural women is not only a matter of equality; it is an essential condition for transforming agrifood systems and sustainably improving food security in Cameroon.”

IAA reiterates that transforming agrifood systems will not be possible without equitable and strengthened participation of women—as producers, entrepreneurs, organization leaders, innovators, and decisionmakers.

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