Seeds and Skills for Women to Grow Vegetables

This Mother's Day, we celebrate the incredible women who nurture not just their families, but entire communities. Seed Programs International (SPI) is proud to partner with inspiring women farmers across the globe, empowering them to become leaders in sustainable agriculture and improve their livelihoods.

The Power of Women in Agriculture:

• Global Leaders: Did you know? Women comprise 43% of the agricultural workforce in developing countries, and are responsible for over 50% of all food production globally! They play a crucial role in ensuring food security for billions.
  
  
• Nurturing Families and Communities: Women farmers are not just food producers; they are also nutritional gatekeepers, responsible for feeding their families and ensuring healthy diets within their communities. Their knowledge of local crops and traditional practices is invaluable.
  
  
• Community Builders: Beyond food production, women farmers often play a central role in community development. Research suggests women farmers prioritize reinvesting income into their families' health, education, and well-being, which ultimately benefits the broader community.

From Guatemala to Kenya:

• Guatemalan mothers are gaining valuable skills and income opportunities through training in organic gardening techniques. This allows them to provide nutritious food for their families while becoming self-sufficient.
  
  
• Kenyan widows are finding strength and economic independence through participation in small-scale commercial agriculture. SPI's support equips them with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.
  
  
• South Sudanese Refugee women and mothers are rebuilding their lives and contributing to their new communities by learning to create value-added vegetable products. This empowers them to earn a sustainable income and build a brighter future. Focusing on post-harvest loss techniques increases food access while working with existing food production in crisis areas.
  
  

These are just a few examples of the many ways SPI supports women farmers on Mother's Day and every day. By providing training, resources, and access to markets, we help them become agricultural leaders, nourish their families and communities, and build a more equitable food system for all. 

From our table to yours, Happy Mother’s Day to all!

At SPI, we know that women in rural communities play vital roles in agricultural production. Yet, their contributions often go unseen, undervalued, and limited by traditional gender roles. Vegetable-growing programs are breaking down these barriers, enabling women to become key players in food security and income generation.

Take Fatima*, for example, a woman who is a part of the Birhan women’s group in southern Ethiopia, with our local partner, Grow East Africa. Fatima receives training in sustainable practices, seed varieties, and market access. She joins the women’s group weekly, where they have a large plot of land where they plant a vibrant tapestry of crops, from tomatoes and eggplant to okra and quinoa. They grow food collectively, working side by side, learning and sharing with one another, and later sharing the profits from their hard work. She is able to garner empowerment from participation with the cooperative, and feeds her family nutritious meals, sells surplus produce for income, and gains respect and recognition in her community. 

The benefits extend far beyond the vegetable garden. Women participating in these programs gain:

• Increased food security: Access to diverse vegetables improves family nutrition and reduces reliance on staple crops prone to drought.
• Economic empowerment: Selling produce generates income, providing women with financial independence and decision-making power. 
• Skill development: Training in agriculture, business management, and financial literacy equips women for long-term success.
• Social status: Leading initiatives and achieving financial goals boosts women’s self-confidence and breaks down gender stereotypes.
• Community strengthening: Shared learning and collaboration foster a sense of solidarity and support among women farmers. 

Thanks to supporters like you, we are able to work with women’s groups throughout countries in Africa and Latin America to uplift women and their communities. From Ethiopia, Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, and Guatemala, your support is transforming lives and landscapes. 

We are looking forward to another season of working with women farmers. Please stay tuned as we begin our planning process for 2024 programs!

Links:

• Partner Taaru Askan in Senegal, hear directly from the women!