In the village of Fapaha in northern Ivory Coast, a group of resilient women took the initiative to establish a cooperative aimed at cultivating vegetables and selling their yield in the market. This empowerment project has allowed these women to support their families independently and break free from relying on external aid.
Mariam Sulue, the secretary of the Fapaha Women’s Association, shares her transformational experience, stating: “Previously, without onion fields, I had to seek help and apologize for my needs. But now, I am self-reliant.”
Supported by the World Food Program, the cooperative received agricultural tools and assistance to market their produce, including supplying to the local school canteen.
Olivia Hantz, the head of WFP in Côte d’Ivoire, highlights their commitment to empowering female farmers, stating: “We equip these women, predominantly farmers, with the resources and knowledge needed for agricultural production.”
This cooperative venture not only enhances agricultural production but also elevates the roles of women within the village community. Women, who traditionally have been marginalized in rural society dominated by men, are now playing pivotal roles in village life.
The collaboration with the local school canteen resulted in the production of an impressive 25 tonnes of vegetables on 40 hectares in 2022, and 10 tonnes on 18 hectares in 2023.
Despite the substantial contribution of women to the agricultural sector in Ivory Coast, they face vulnerabilities due to gender-biased land tenure customs. Only 8% of women own land compared to 22% of men, and inheritance laws often strip them of land rights upon marriage or widowhood.
Through initiatives like this cooperative, women gain autonomy, economic independence, and actively participate in community development. Their perseverance challenges traditional gender norms, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
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