Seeds and Skills for Women to Grow Vegetables

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!