This issue of ICT Update is in collaboration with ACP YPN. ACP YPN has been pioneering the inclusion of youth experts in policy-making, within the EU-ACP partnership since 2014 and more recently at the level of the UN.
In this issue
Overcoming the divide on women and digitalisation in agriculture
Research and statistics state that women constitute around 40% of the agricultural labour force in the ACP region and while they make essential contributions to rural economies and the growing advancements in digitalisation – the gender gap in access to information communication technologies (ICTs) continue to widen. This means women farmers, particularly in rural areas, experience difficulties accessing information, financial products and services and markets. They also often do not participate in relevant policy-making.
mAgri and the woman driving innovation
Naledi Magowe, a young female agri-tech entrepreneur, shares her experiences of building her start-up Brastorne Enterprises and the increasing impact her mobile app mAgri is making in Botswana and plans for expansion.
Female drone pilots: Moving from an exception to the rule for women in Tanzania
by Rose Funja
A young African woman thriving and growing her business in the male dominated field of drone piloting and data science. Rose Funja is also giving back by working to also to promote young womens’ participation in STEM.
The gender and open data intersection
Open data is data that is made available for anyone to access, use and share. With more access to open data, people can help shape a more sustainable future with evidence-based solutions, contributing at the same time to a more transparent decision-making. But to reach the full potential of open data, it must be available to and used by all. Read more about web foundation’s investigation into whether open data is working for women in Africa.
Developing sustainable ICT driven solutions and agroecology
Ezinne Merianchris Emeana a researcher at Coventry University discussed how the SmartAgroecology app is promoting the sharing of agro-ecological knowledge and skills amongst women farmers and extension personnel in Nigeria in order to help them achieve sustainable production and livelihood.
Women in business development in Samoa: Overcoming challenges by harnessing digital opportunities
Gillian Stewart of WIBDI shares how the organisation is leveraging ICTs to support an organic grower group of family farmers in Samoa, who rely on agricultural production to generate income and savings.
Marrying tourism and digital agriculture for female farmers in St. Lucia
Keithlin Caroo is the founder of Saint Lucian non-profit Helen’s Daughters. Helen’s Daughters was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program.
Increasing income and productivity by empowering women farmers’ access to information
Recognising that farmers in Uganda have not fully embraced ICTs, particularly women, WOUGNET works to develop gender-targeted approaches to facilitate access to relevant and timely agricultural information and digital tools.
Women leadership at the head of the Pan-African Farmers’ Organisation: the Integrated Rural Development Strategy
Fatma Ben Rejeb is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pan-African Farmers’ Organisation (PAFO). PAFO is a network of Farmers’ Organisations across the African continent that aims to improve communication, collaboration and information/knowledge sharing among stakeholders. It is Africa’s first continent-wide farmers’ organisation and is an important instrument for rallying direct farmer engagement on Africa’s growth and development agenda. Fatma spoke to ICT Update about PAFO’s work with women and digitalisation.
Research and statistics state that women constitute around 40% of the agricultural labour force in the ACP region and while they make essential contributions to rural economies and the growing advancements in digitalisation - the gender gap in access to information communication technologies (ICTs) continue to widen. This means women farmers, particularly in rural areas, experience difficulties accessing information, financial products and services and markets. They also often do not participate in relevant policy-making.
