Women Affairs ministry has appealed for rural women to get land and inputs to enable them to fully exploit their capacity and drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
The call was made during the commemoration of the international rural women day celebrations organised International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Harare today.
The ministry’s representative, Mejury Sikundhla said women are prime drivers of economic growth in any country hence the call for their empowerment with resources.
“Women should have access to land and inputs on their agriculture. They are prime drivers of economic growth and can reduce stunting if we work together,” said Sikundhla.
Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust Chief Executive Officer, Godfrey Rinoera said they have programmes aimed at assisting rural women as they have the magic to change the world economically.
“We have programmes on how we can assist women and there is need for us to keep our eyes on rural women farmers because they have magic to change this world economically,” said Godfrey Rinoera ZADT chief executive officer.
ZADT has since 2010 disbursed a total of US$50,7 million to 172 agri-businesses through its value chain financing facility known as the Credit for Agricultural Trade and Expansion (CREATE) fund.
Tafara Ndumayina from the World Food Program (WFP) highlighted the important role women play in securing the country’s food security.
“Investing in women farmers is the best way to deal with hunger and secure food in the country. Women needs to be helped financially so that they will be able to do what they are capable of,” she said.
