As we celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action,” it is crucial to recognize and amplify the transformative impact of empowering women in agriculture. In Uganda, women play an indispensable role in food production, contributing significantly to national food security and rural livelihoods. However, they continue to face systemic challenges such as limited land ownership, restricted access to credit, and inadequate training in modern farming techniques.

The Trade Credit Guarantee (TCG) Project, implemented by AFAP with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Africa Fertiliser Financing Mechanism (AFFM), is actively tackling these challenges to foster inclusivity and drive progress for women farmers and agro dealers. By facilitating access to trade credit to increase the distribution of affordable fertilizer to commercial and smallholder farmers for improved agricultural productivity, the project is creating a more equitable and sustainable agricultural landscape, with a goal of ensuring that at least 40% of beneficiaries are women.

Katusabe Farm Supply (a female owned agro dealer shop), while participating in a baseline survey under the AFAP-TCG project.

How Women Are Benefiting from the TCG Project?:

The TCG Project has significantly advanced women’s participation in agriculture by enhancing their access to essential resources and opportunities. Notable achievements during the ongoing implementation include:

• 24% of women actively engaged in project activities, contributing to increased participation in the agricultural sector.
• 8% hold leadership roles as group leaders and trainers, fostering mentorship and knowledge-sharing among peers.
• 8% are in decision-making positions, ensuring that women’s voices influence agricultural strategies and policy development.
• 4% have received financing, allowing them to invest in their agribusinesses and enhance productivity.
• 8% of women agro dealers have been granted access to special credit limits, strengthening their trading capabilities.
• 20% of women have received agricultural input packages, ensuring access to quality seeds and fertilizers for improved yields.
• 41 women and youth have been identified as hosts for demonstration gardens, providing practical training and community-based learning opportunities.
• A Gender Policy has been developed to ensure gender inclusivity in project implementation and sustainability.

Mutesi Joan, a female farmer in Jinja District participating in AFAP field activites.

Challenges Facing Women Farmers in Uganda:

Despite notable progress, women in agriculture continue to face significant challenges that limit their full participation and success:

• Limited Land Ownership: Many women lack legal rights to land, restricting their ability to cultivate crops and access financial services.
• Educational Barriers: Limited access to education, especially in rural areas, hinders women’s awareness and adoption of modern farming techniques.
• Lack of Collateral: Without property ownership, women struggle to secure loans, as financial institutions often require land or assets as collateral.
• Financial Literacy Gaps: Limited knowledge of banking systems, loan terms, and financial management affects women’s ability to sustain and grow their agribusinesses.
• Inadequate Support Services: A lack of tailored agricultural extension services leaves many women without the technical guidance needed to enhance productivity.
• Logistical Constraints: Poor transportation and inadequate storage facilities make it difficult for women to access markets and preserve their produce effectively.
• Climate-Related Challenges & Post-Harvest Losses: Unpredictable weather patterns and insufficient storage solutions reduce crop yields and profitability.

Racheal Arinaitwe, AFAP CBA while conducting a soil testing exercise with Bangirana Constance a female farmer in Kamwenge district, Uganda.

Recommendations for Advancing Women Farmers and Agrodealers

To further support women in agriculture and drive sustainable progress, the following actions should be prioritized:

• Land Ownership Advocacy: Implement legal reforms that promote equal land rights for women and support co-ownership initiatives to enhance security and access to financial services.
• Training and Capacity Building: Expand agricultural training programs focusing on modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and emerging agricultural technologies.
• Financial Inclusion: Strengthen women-led cooperative lending programs and enhance access to microfinance solutions tailored specifically for female farmers.
• Financial Literacy Programs: Equip women with essential skills in budgeting, saving, and loan management to improve financial independence and business growth.
• Youth-Focused Credit Facilities: Encourage financial institutions to provide low-interest, flexible loans designed to support young women entering the agricultural sector.
• Enhanced Extension Services: Develop dedicated agricultural extension programs to offer technical support, mentorship, and advisory services to women and youth in rural areas.
• Market Access and Logistics Support: Improve rural transportation networks and invest in storage infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses and increase market accessibility.
• Fair Trade and Price Stability Mechanisms: Strengthen women-led cooperatives, enabling them to negotiate better prices and protect themselves from market exploitation.

Stella Ngategire, the founder and Executive Director of Mubuku Farmers’ Stores in Kasese district among the female beneficiaries from AFAP initiatives.

Female farmers actively participating in the planting season in Mayuge District during AFAP’s agricultural initiatives.

Women farmers participating in AFAP Maize demonstration garden establishment in Kagoma, Jinja district.

AFAP collaborates with Kwagala Mothers Union Cooperative in Nakalama, Iganga district to support agricultural initiatives and empower local farmers.

Conclusion:

Women are the backbone of Uganda’s agricultural sector, and investing in their empowerment is key to achieving a resilient and food-secure future. AFAP is breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and creating pathways for women to thrive in agriculture.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to Accelerating Action—ensuring that women farmers and agro-dealers receive the support they need to lead, innovate, and transform agriculture for generations to come. By addressing systemic challenges and implementing sustainable solutions, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector that benefits all.