Outcome ZAF_D_2.6

Increased productivity and market access for women in climate smart agriculture

The expected outcomes on agricultural activities are long terms and not short term, it is expected that women farmers productivity should improve following capacity building training provided. Increased crop harvest is expected following the delivery of the seeds; however, this will be determined at the end of the planting season which has just began. It is further expected that women farmers will better respond to climatic challenges that negatively affect productivity with the skills provided. The impact of the interventions is women economic independency, lower dependency to social services, food security and less hunger from targeted members of the community.

Increased productivity and market access for women in climate smart agriculture

In partnership with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UN Women strengthened the adaptation capacity and resilience of women farmers on the adoption and application of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices, CSA, and participation in inclusive value chains. A total of 448 women farmers (251 in the Free State province ; 193 in Limpopo province), improved their CSA branding and marketing This has contributed significantly to the capacity of farmers to manage climate change and improved farming practices. Farmers capacity to access buyers was enhanced through value chain facilitation. In addition, data available at the time of reporting indicates that about 20% women wore accessing traditional and non-traditional markets , despite the set back due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown regulations. In addition, the training of a total of 185 extension officers has significantly contributed to enhanced support and service provision for the women farmers in the targeted areas. There are greater awareness of the farmers needs by the extension officers and increased responsiveness. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KTyaBASTuhOfdWF4GUcqtCDfDV6HTTJg/view?usp=sh aring https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KV3KR894ZHOdpnvLj3iQ_qc7P9DfG6zW/view?usp=sha ring In addition, through the partnership with FAO, curriculum for both farmers and extension officers was developed and focused on CSA and inclusive value chains. The curriculum offers farmers with farming and agricultural business management including value adding, pricing and target marketing. These training manuals have been shared with extension officers in Limpopo and the Free State. Anecdotal evidence suggest extension have used these materials and have contributed significantly to climate smart farming practices. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M0BKhm6gsbGPsE7aSLZVU7iBYIUyuqhJ/view?usp=sha ring https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YPjh_jPsO4kmDkh-pnduEfILtN3OzJa/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_H0F6U8Y8TopwnJz7OYsmk4w9v5evqUs/view?usp=sh aring