Empowering Rural Women in Djibouti Through Sustainable Agriculture

In rural northern Djibouti, a region vulnerable to drought and food insecurity, a regional project has brought about a profound transformation benefiting hundreds of women through secure access to land, adapted farming tools, and practical training. Initiated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF), the project has been hailed as a success in promoting gender equality, ensuring food security, and building climate resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• The IGAD/AfDB project has provided secure access to land, adapted farming tools, and practical training to hundreds of women in rural northern Djibouti, transforming their lives and alleviating food insecurity.
• The project has empowered women to become decision-makers in their communities, with 50% of the agricultural cooperative's board members being female.
• The cooperative has over 70 members, the majority of whom are women, and has enabled them to manage their own production and income, contributing to the village economy.
• The project has had cascading effects on health, security, and education, with improvements in attendance and concentration among children, especially girls, who have been freed from domestic chores.
• The project aligns with the African Development Bank's strategic priorities, particularly promoting gender equality, ensuring food security, and building climate resilience.

Statistics:

• Over 70 members comprise the agricultural cooperative in Dafenaytou, with the majority being women.
• 50% of the cooperative's board members are female, indicating a significant shift in decision-making power.
• The project has provided household food supplies and a small surplus to sell, reducing drudgery and securing economic stability.
• Attendance and concentration among children, especially girls, have improved in the local school in Dafenaytou.

Sources:

• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
• African Development Bank (AfDB)
• Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF)