Women and Youth Empowerment in RFCO
Women and Youth Empowerment in RFCO
Women and youth form the backbone of farming communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
RFCO recognizes their role in ensuring food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Program Details
- Strengthen participation of women and youth in agricultural decision-making.
- Build capacity and skills for agribusiness, leadership, and innovation.
- Improve access to productive resources (land, seeds, water, finance).
- Promote gender equity and youth inclusion in all RFCO initiatives.
These efforts drive inclusive agricultural development.
Objectives
Strengthen participation of women and youth in agricultural decision-making. Build capacity and skills for agribusiness, leadership, and innovation. Improve access to productive resources (land, seeds, water, finance). Promote gender equity and youth inclusion in all RFCO initiatives.
Capacity Building & Training
Establish Women and Youth Farmer Field Schools (FFS). Provide technical training on climate-smart farming, ICT in agriculture, and agribusiness. Mentorship and leadership training for youth agripreneurs and women leaders.
Access to Finance & Resources
Facilitate Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) for women and youth. Promote access to agribusiness incubation hubs and micro-credit. Advocate for equitable land rights for women and youth.
Agribusiness & Innovation
Support youth in agri-tech innovations (mobile apps, precision farming, solar irrigation). Encourage women in value addition enterprises (honey processing, dairy products, grain milling). Promote joint ventures and cooperatives led by youth and women.
Leadership & Governance
Ensure at least 40% representation of women and youth in RIFACO governance structures. Create Women and Youth Committees at community level to guide programs. Facilitate policy advocacy on gender equity and youth opportunities in agriculture.
Alternative Livelihoods
Promote enterprises suitable for women and youth, including: Beekeeping, Indigenous poultry farming, Aloe vera and gum arabic farming, Handicrafts and eco-tourism initiatives.
Expected Outcomes
Increased leadership roles for women and youth in community farming organizations. Enhanced income generation through agribusiness and diversified livelihoods. Stronger social inclusion and gender balance in ASAL agricultural systems. Sustainable youth-led innovations driving climate-smart agriculture.
