Many women farmers in Angola have limited access to essential resources such as land, water, seeds, and modern farming tools. This is a significant problem because it limits their ability to increase production and adopt more efficient agricultural practices. The USAID-supported Support to Angolan women Farmers project is purposefully working to strengthen small-scale farming across Angola, with a strong focus on empowering women by providing them with the right skills and market access to achieve economic independence.

A success story from the province of Namibe illustrates this progress. Ten women from Farmer Field Schools in Mphatelo, Bum 1, and Bum 2 collectively sold 2,500 cobs of corn and 10 crates of sweet potatoes, generating a total income of 145,000 Kz. This additional income has enabled the women to support their families, purchase necessary goods, and pay school fees for their children. The financial empowerment has allowed them to gain greater control over their financial future, reinvest in their farms, and contribute to the development of their local communities. All in all, a great success.

A key component of the Support to Angolan women Farmers project’s success lies in its continuous training for Farmers Clubs. These training sessions focus on conservation farming and are held in model fields to provide farmers with hands-on experience. The training is made to the specific needs of each region and the seasonal demands of agriculture. In the six original provinces where the project operates, these sessions have become an essential part of agricultural life. Women farmers have been able to apply  their new knowledge of sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term productivity and improved agricultural production.

In the newly added provinces, the project has initiated training for Women Farmers Clubs, marking the beginning of another chapter in the empowerment of women farmers. This training is not just about agricultural techniques, but also about equipping women with the skills they need to assert their rights, secure land, and participate more fully in their communities.