Women in agric urged to study evolving needs of consumers

Women engaged in various agri-businesses in Africa have been urged to research the needs of consumers in order to identify and meet their evolving demands.

This, according to the Director of Women in Agriculture Development at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Paulina Addy, would help them drive up sales and become resilient in the sector.

Building sustainable agri-businesses, she said, was key to improving their livelihood and that of their dependants as well as their contribution to the socio-economic growth of their countries.

Ms Addy was speaking at Ignite 2020, an annual agribusiness programme which seeks to empower African women to build sustainable food businesses across on the continent and beyond.
Organised by Guzakuza, a non government organisation, this year’s event, which was virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was on the theme ‘Amplifying her Agvoice’.

It brought together 120 women from 15 African countries and experts and key players from various part of the agricultural sector.

Ms Addy also encouraged the participants to do a proper analysis of the agricultural value chain and tap into the opportunities available in the sector due to the enormous benefits it provides.

For her, the sector was endowed with so much benefits which requires determination, focus and desire for excellence to explore, adding that MoFA would through such engagements and other avenues help women to figure out the sector.



Unami Mpofu, a representative from the African Union Development Agency, urged participants not to downplay their impact in the economic growth of their country but continue to strive and be change-makers in their various communities.

Nana Adjoa Sifa, the Initiator of Guzakuza, encouraged participants to build a stronger force and be a voice to women in agribusiness in Africa.

She advised the participants to demonstrate good leadership skills, influence and impact as agriprenuers.

Guzakuza has since 2016 trained and provided opportunities and served as a platform for female agribusiness founders to be educated, nurtured and empowered to build sustainable food businesses.

It has also built the capacity of women on how to improve their business models and their personal development through mentorship, coaching, internship, business simulations and relevant trainings.

Source: 3news.com