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Writes Lloyd Rabaya
Women have been urged to embrace agroecology for empowerment to fight against the patriarchal nature in the Southern African region.
This came out this week at the inaugural Regional Agroecology Conference which ended yesterday in Harare.
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Jo Abbort, deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom Embassy said despite women constituting around 70% of household labour in rural communities, they are often marginalised in social and economic spheres.
“So as we deliberate this week, let’s make women and girls, their empowerment and safeguarding part of the narrative. I hope this conference will come up with practical and innovative ways to learn from what has gone before and work in partnership to scale up agroecology and do so in ways that encourage the participation and empowerment of women and girls, recognising the key role they play in agriculture and food systems,” she said.
She also added that gender differences leave women more vulnerable especially in the face of climate change as low rainfall reduces access to water and firewood.
Since time immemorial, Zimbabwean women have complained about not owning land, with assets being registered under their male counterparts, therefore making it difficult to get credit facilities because of lack of collateral.
In her address, former Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) chairperson, Elizabeth Mpofu, said government should create policies and agricultural projects that make women more visible as they contribute more.
“Women, in particular, are portrayed as passive victims of climate change, providers of manual labour for farm operations. Yet, it is women who do most of the farm operations (we are told studies recognize that globally, women do more than 60% of all farm operations). In Africa, women are the custodians of seed, they are innovators par excellence,” she said.
Mpofu also implored the congregation to stand in solidarity with women and youth who are doing sterling work in promoting agroecology.
For twenty-four-year-old Mutoko-based, and ZIMSOFF member, farmer Nyasha Mhakayakora, the conference was an eye-opener as she gained farming knowledge from other farmers.
Mhakayakora added that she was educated on ways to ensure they get maximum yield from little to no money invested.
“We use what is surrounding us. So as young farmers, we will not starve,” she said.
The young farmer also added that she was made known of where she can ask for help when faced with any challenges.
For Gutu farmer and ZIMSOFF member, Daizy Mandaza (42), the conference was crucial in boosting her confidence as she re-realized the power she has of feeding the whole nation.
“We were reminded that our produce is needed by foreign countries as well as those that want to eat healthy and nutritious food. Sometimes we just produce the crops and keep it home, but after today I will make sure that I inform my fellow Gutu agroecology farmers that there is more to agroecology than what we sometimes do,” she said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands, Leonard Munamati, the Minister of Lands, Honourable Dr Anxious Masuka emphasized the need for engagement to share knowledge on sustainable farming that keeps the nation food secure.
“Together, we can recommend, develop and share strategies that promote both climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, thus, fostering a resilient agricultural sector,” the speech read in part.
The conference’s emphasis on women’s participation, knowledge sharing, and policy support is a step towards a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector.
As the speakers and attendees highlighted, recognizing women’s contributions and addressing the gender gap is crucial for a food-secure future.
