IDE Canada

Published purpose

This project aims to improve the lives of rural women working in agriculture in Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia. It supports women to fully participate in the economic life of their communities, earn an income, expand market access, and increase financial independence. The project seeks to: (1)) achieve significant gains in women’s economic empowerment in three markets in Africa – the Southwest Shewa Zone in Ethiopia, northern and central Ghana, and the Copperbelt and Central provinces in Zambia; (2) facilitate global knowledge-sharing and accelerate gender equality impact for women by developing and leveraging innovative approaches to financing for economic development; (3) increase access to new market opportunities by reducing gender-specific barriers; and (4) develop the skills, structures, and shifts social norms so that women can maximize the benefits of existing economic opportunities. Project activities include: (1) providing training not only on climate-smart agricultural practices to provide technical know-how to undertake income-generating activities but also savings, business and bookkeeping skills to maximize profitability; (2) providing tools and support for women to protect the health and sustainability of their land - assisting smallholder farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices; and (3) facilitating partnerships that increase women’s access to affordable credit and strengthening commercial relationships. The design of this project is intended to leverage impact far beyond the life and geographic focus areas of this project. By broadening the application of innovations generated through this project (intermediate outcome 1300), we aim to make a meaningful contribution to women’s empowerment not only for the women in the countries this project is focusing on, but for women around the globe. The project seeks to better equip and increase the incomes of more than 25,000 women, including 9,225 in Ethiopia, 6,000 in Ghana, and 10,000 in Zambia. It also aims to indirectly benefit 165,000 individuals, including 55,000 in Ethiopia, 60,000 in Ghana, and 50,000 in Zambia.