By Bridget Masikati
On the 10th of May 2022, Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union hosted the inaugural Women in Agribusiness Forum which brought together women entrepreneurs from the different agricultural value chains, policy makers, business leaders, and financial institutions.
ZFU Women farmers were represented by Provincial women farmer leaders.
The forum which ran under theme, Gender equality and equity in agriculture today for a sustainable tomorrow was aimed at promoting equitable participation and create opportunities for women in agriculture.
“At the heart of ZFU’s strategy there’s an understanding that women play a pivotal role in advancing agricultural development. In ZFU women farmers are being supported with trainings and opportunities to help them increase their productivity,” said ZFU Capacity Building Director, Mrs N Makoho.
At the conference, the women in agribusiness were reminded that they needed to organise themselves in order for them to be able to influence public policy.
During panel a discussion, women had an opportunity to share their success, share opportunities and strategies on how they can make it in a male dominated environment and patriarchal society.
With the help of experts from OXfam,Seed Companies ,legal institutions and AMA, women got an appreciation of various opportunities available for them to excel in their agriculture business and the rights that safeguard their interests.
A ZFU young farmer, Anesu Truzumba who was part of the panelists also highlighted how her affiliation to ZFU has helped her meet people who have helped her advance in agribusiness.
“I did not train in agriculture but now I can say I have gained so much knowledge with the help of ZFU which has brought me in contact with different farmers and stakeholders. ZFU has also gave me exposure through travelling abroad to learn about agriculture,” she said
The Conference for Women in Agribusiness continues to explore ways in which women entrepreneurs can be supported while also building their capacity on issues around value chains, access to finance, access to markets and policies that unlock women businesses.
