In the face of climate change, women in West Africa and the Sahel are disproportionately impacted by resource constraints and limited access to finance, hindering their agricultural productivity. Yet, they are vital to building climate resilience within their communities, acting as key decision-makers, innovators, and drivers of sustainable agricultural practices.
Recognizing this critical role, initiatives like the Gender-Smart Accelerator Challenge in Senegal are empowering women-led agricultural SMEs. This program, spearheaded by AICCRA, provides crucial support through capacity building, technical assistance, and access to funding.
The results have been impressive. 85% of participating SMEs acquired new customers, while 69% forged new partnerships. Moreover, the program catalyzed significant investment, with one company securing matched funding ten times the initial grant.
“The Gender-Smart Accelerator has been a catalyst for my business,” says Hermione Awounou, CEO of ACASEN, a Senegalese company specializing in cashew nut production. “The training and support provided not only strengthened my business but also empowered me to secure significant investment.”
This success story underscores the transformative potential of investing in women-led enterprises. By addressing the specific challenges faced by women farmers, these programs unlock their potential to drive innovation, enhance climate resilience, and contribute significantly to economic growth in the region.
As Ena Derenoncourt, Gender-Smart Investment Specialist for AICCRA, emphasizes, “These programs leverage science-based approaches to tailor capacity building and de-risk mechanisms, enhancing bankability and attracting impactful investments.”
By empowering women in agriculture, we not only unlock their economic potential but also build more resilient and equitable food systems for the future.
