Rural Women Empowerment Through the Beans Value Chain

Rural women are the backbone of agricultural activities in Africa, playing critical roles not only as producers but also in the transportation, marketing, and processing of farm produce. Despite their crucial contribution to agricultural value chains, they face numerous challenges that hinder their empowerment. Madam Sibasuri shared her struggles in cultivating beans to feed her family and earn a small income to meet other household needs. One significant barrier is her lack of access to land, as she cannot rent or purchase land without her husband’s permission. Moreover, she lacks the decision-making power regarding what to produce, how to produce it, and how to spend the income generated from her farming efforts. These challenges, among many others, are common obstacles faced by rural women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rural Women Empowerment in Eastern DRC Through the Beans Value Chain - Image 2 — Figure 1: Rural Women: Important human resources in bean production.

In eastern DRC, the B4WE project - funded by Global Affairs Canada - stands as a beacon of hope, driving women's economic and social empowerment in rural communities, with a strong emphasis on the bean value chain. This rural development initiative not only aims to empower individual women but also to strengthen entire communities and foster sustainable development.

On this International Rural Women's Day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of rural women across the project's intervention areas -North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika - and all selected territories in eastern DRC who are actively involved in the B4WE project. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to creating positive change will not only uplift their families but also contribute significantly to the development of their communities and the country at large.

As we reflect on the immense benefits of empowering rural women along the beans value chain, the project and its implementing partners recognize that investing in the potential of rural women is crucial for building a sustainable future. The B4WE project is committed to serving as a global model for rural and agricultural development interventions, highlighting the transformative power of agriculture - particularly bean cultivation - in empowering women and fostering community development.

The Bean Value Chain: A Pathway to Empowerment

Beans are a crop of great significance in Eastern DRC, serving as a crucial source of nutrition and income for many rural and urban households. The Beans for Women Empowerment (B4WE) project is dedicated to enhancing the entire beans value chain—from production to consumption. By equipping rural women with essential resources such as tools, technical training, and social support, the B4WE project seeks to transform their lives and uplift their communities.

The B4WE project showcases how targeted interventions can promote economic and social empowerment for rural women in Eastern DRC. As we mark International Rural Women’s Day, it is vital to continue supporting and uplifting these women as they fulfill their essential roles in society. Empowering rural women is not merely a goal—it is a necessity for a brighter, more equitable future, especially within the agricultural sector.

Rural Women Empowerment in Eastern DRC Through the Beans Value Chain - Image 3 — Figure 2: Showcasing one of the key messages of B4WE project on gender equality

Economic, and social empowerment along the bean value chain

The economic empowerment of rural women lies at the core of B4WE. To help women cultivate beans more effectively, the project provides training on good agricultural practices including sustainable farming techniques, pest management, and post-harvest handling, all aimed at boosting productivity. Additionally, the project focuses on enhancing women's leadership and decision-making skills, establishing links to productive markets, promoting bean processing and transformation, and ensuring access to essential resources such as high-quality improved bean seed varieties and agrochemicals.

Rural Women Empowerment in Eastern DRC Through the Beans Value Chain - Image 4 — Figure 3: Rural women in North Kivu being trained on bean production techniques

To address the challenges of market access and finance, B4WE project collaborates with national and international organizations to effectively connect women farmers to local and regional markets. By facilitating access to buyers, women are able to sell their surplus beans at fair prices, increasing their household incomes. This market linkage not only improves their economic standing but also strengthens their bargaining power.

Rural Women Empowerment in Eastern DRC Through the Beans Value Chain - Image 5 — Figure 4: Showcasing one of the B4WE key messages of B4WE project on agribusiness

To enhance the social empowerment of women, B4WE provides training sessions, equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to take on leadership roles within their communities. This empowerment gives them a voice to advocate for their rights and address the needs of their households. The project also fosters collaboration among women, creating strong support networks. For example, in the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Bulengo, North Kivu, women collectively manage a community garden, where each woman also watches her neighbor’s crops to protect them from theft. In the words of Nathalie: "My neighbor takes care of my crops when I am not around or not feeling well, and I do the same for her and others". This shared responsibility not only strengthens their bonds but also offers a safe space for them to exchange experiences, challenges, and successes—reminding them they are not alone in navigating the hardships of life in a displacement camp.

Empowering women both economically and socially is essential for effectively addressing gender inequality in eastern DRC. On International Rural Women’s Day, we give rural women the recognition they deserve for their vital contributions to agricultural and rural development, and the respect they receive from society increases. Furthermore, discriminatory gender roles are challenged, paving the way for gender transformation and the creation of a more sustainable and equitable society.

For more information about the B4WE Project contact: Bola Amoke Awotide ([email protected]).