The Community Women in Agriculture (CWiA) Conferences in Uganda represent a significant step towards empowering rural women and addressing the challenges they face in agriculture. These district-level conferences, organized by ESAFF Uganda, are a precursor to the 6th National Women in Agriculture (WiA) Conference scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Mbale City. This initiative marks the first time district-level CWiA conferences have been held in the six years since the inception of the WiA Conference, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement in agricultural discourse.
From October 7 to 12, 2024, women community leaders and small-scale farmers gathered across various districts, including Mukono, Masaka, Kasese, Ngora, Adjumani, Kabale, Apac, Nebbi, Gulu, and Iganga, to discuss pressing issues under the theme "Cultivating Change: Building Collaborative Women’s Voices Against Social Exclusion, Poverty, and Hunger." A total of 342 women participated, highlighting the urgent need for policy reform and societal change to address the multifaceted challenges they face.
Key issues raised during the conferences varied by district but shared common themes of social exclusion, economic disempowerment, and the impact of climate change. In Kasese, for instance, the abandonment of girl child education by fathers was a significant concern, leaving mothers to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring their daughters complete school. This situation perpetuates economic disempowerment and reinforces gender inequality. Additionally, women in Kasese are grappling with climate change's effects, which have led to unpredictable weather patterns and reduced crop yields.
In Adjumani, small-scale farmers expressed dissatisfaction with government-provided seeds that compromise the quality of indigenous varieties. They advocated for high-quality indigenous seeds to protect their agricultural systems and ensure food security. Land rights issues also emerged as a significant barrier, as many women do not own the land they cultivate, limiting their ability to invest in long-term agricultural projects.
Iganga district highlighted domestic violence as a barrier to women's productivity, particularly as successful women in agriculture often face violence from their spouses. This situation has prompted calls for stricter laws to protect women from domestic abuse. Additionally, land ownership disputes hinder women's ability to secure land for farming, further complicating their efforts toward economic independence.
In Nebbi, women acknowledged the gender-sensitive nature of the Parish Development Model (PDM), which has benefited many small-scale women farmers. However, they remain concerned about the changing climate's impact on agriculture, as erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts threaten productivity and food security. Similarly, women in Mukono appreciated the GROW business program for providing access to loans but criticized the restrictive conditions that often exclude small-scale women farmers.
Masaka district women expressed gratitude for agroecology training provided by ESAFF Uganda, which has empowered them to transition to organic farming. However, they voiced concerns over the unpredictable climate disrupting traditional farming cycles. In Apac, women farmers highlighted the unequal distribution of farming benefits, where husbands often control the land and income, stifling women's economic independence.
Gulu district's Deputy Mayor encouraged women to unite and establish a demonstration garden to foster collaboration among farmers. However, women expressed concerns about the lack of land available for production, with male family members renting it out to them. In Kabale, women were encouraged to participate in farmer groups to improve market access and reduce reliance on middlemen. Ngora district women emphasized the need to preserve indigenous seeds, which are disappearing due to climate change and land rights challenges.
The CWiA conferences serve as a platform for women to collectively voice their challenges and advocate for change. The insights generated from these discussions will contribute to the broader dialogue at the national Women’s Camp Fire on October 14, 2024, where women from diverse backgrounds will share their stories and build solidarity around their shared struggles.
By addressing these issues collectively, women are not only fighting for their rights and economic empowerment but also for the future of Uganda's food systems. Their leadership and resilience are critical to building a food-secure and sustainable future for their communities. The CWiA Conferences are more than just meetings; they represent a movement cultivating change from the ground up.
As the nation anticipates the 6th National WiA Conference, the stories and solutions emerging from these district-level conferences will serve as a powerful reminder of the central role women play in shaping Uganda's agricultural future. The collective efforts of these women highlight the importance of inclusive policies and programs that support their contributions to agriculture and society at large.
Bravo women In Ugandan as they contribute too much in terms of agriculture production. I urge the government of Uganda to hear their outcry and solve challenges where possible .