In the tranquil village of Fapaha nestled in the northern region of Ivory Coast, a transformative initiative has taken root, empowering women to cultivate vegetables and achieve financial independence. Through the establishment of a cooperative, these women have forged a path towards self-sufficiency, eliminating the need for reliance on external aid.
Mariam Sulue, the Secretary of the Fapaha Women’s Association, reflects on the profound impact of this endeavor. “In the past, when I lacked onions, I had to seek assistance from others,” she recalls. Now, with the cooperative’s support, she and her fellow women are the architects of their destiny.
Central to the success of this initiative is the partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), which has provided crucial resources and market access to the cooperative. Olivia Hantz, WFP chief in Ivory Coast, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to empowering women through agricultural support and training.
Beyond economic empowerment, the cooperative has catalyzed a shift in societal dynamics, elevating the status of women within the village hierarchy. Jean-Marie Biada, an economic analyst, highlights the newfound recognition of women’s contributions in rural society, traditionally dominated by men.
The cooperative’s achievements are notable, with substantial yields of vegetables and legumes cultivated on expansive acreage. Through collaborations with local institutions like the village school cafeteria, the women have demonstrated their capacity for sustainable agricultural production.
However, challenges persist, as evidenced by the disparities in land ownership between men and women. Despite comprising a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, women face systemic barriers to land access and ownership, perpetuating their vulnerability in the sector.
As efforts to address gender inequities in agriculture gain momentum, initiatives like the Fapaha Women’s Cooperative serve as beacons of hope, fostering resilience and empowerment among rural women in Ivory Coast. Through collective action and support, these women are rewriting the narrative of gender roles in agriculture and paving the way for a more equitable future.