Evelyn Garwe, from the College of Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UM6P, emphasizes the growing involvement of rural women in agriculture in Zimbabwe. She also expresses the desire to strengthen collaboration between Al Moutmir's agricultural services and those in Zimbabwe to foster shared sustainable development.
"In Zimbabwe, rural women are increasingly taking a larger role in the agricultural sector, and this is an encouraging development," says Evelyn Garwe of the College of Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UM6P. She adds that the agricultural landscape is transforming, with the emergence of young women, as well as men, involved in this field.
An Agriculture in Transformation
In Zimbabwe, agriculture, a pillar of the national economy, has undergone significant transformations in recent decades. Evelyn Garwe explains that the land reform, which enabled the redistribution of land to rural populations, has led to the emergence of a new generation of farmers, including more women and youth. "Agriculture is no longer exclusively a man's domain; rural women now play a central role in this dynamic," she states.
After the land reform that redistributed land to rural populations, a new generation of farmers, including a growing number of women, emerged. However, despite their essential contributions, these women continue to face major challenges, particularly regarding access to land, financing, and modern technologies. Garwe, who has worked with rural women, acknowledges the ongoing difficulties, especially in the dairy farming sector, which is particularly important to her.
Women Facing Climate Challenges
In the face of climate challenges, Zimbabwe remains resilient. After several years of drought, female farmers continue to demonstrate remarkable adaptability by adopting conservation agriculture techniques, with around 30% of them engaged in these practices. An ambitious project has been set up to support sustainable agricultural initiatives, and Garwe notes that this support has been crucial in maintaining the country's food security.
The Zimbabwean government has launched an ambitious program to fund conservation agriculture initiatives, with a special focus on women. According to Evelyn Garwe, "This program has allowed many rural women to receive direct support and engage in sustainable agricultural practices despite persistent drought." She adds that "this support has played a crucial role in preserving the country's food security during this period of climate crisis."
A Promising Future for Rural Women
For her, the future is promising for rural women. She calls for stronger cooperation between Zimbabwe's agricultural extension services and initiatives such as Al Moutmir, hoping for an exchange of experiences to improve the resilience of both countries. "Such collaboration would be a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen our collective resilience," she concludes.