USAID: Gender Equality and Sustainability in Agriculture

USAID is leading a pioneering initiative designed to revolutionise global agricultural supply chains with a focus on gender equality and sustainability.

Through a huge US$50m public-private partnership featuring giants such as PepsiCo, Unilever, Danone, McCormick & Company and Nespresso, the Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains initiative aims to break down the barriers encountered by women in agriculture while promoting environmental resilience.

This project aligns with the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) initiative, introduced in 2023 under the guidance of Vice President Kamala Harris.

The initiative champions economic security for women working in sectors affected by climate change, demonstrating a firm commitment to both female empowerment and sustainable practices.

The vision is clear: to devise a new model for agricultural supply chains capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

The role of women in agriculture

Globally, women are crucial to agriculture, responsible for producing a significant proportion of the world's food.

Despite their contributions, women frequently face substantial systemic obstacles including limited access to land, finances and market opportunities.

These barriers don't just undermine individual livelihoods; they also compromise the overall efficiency and resilience of agricultural supply chains.

This partnership tackles these disparities by scaling up proven strategies and enhancing the inclusion of women at every level of the supply chain.

With initiatives that provide training, enhance market access and foster leadership roles, the programme empowers women to become central figures in transforming agriculture.

This isn't just about achieving equality; it's also about boosting productivity.

Research shows that bridging the gender gaps in agriculture can significantly boost food production and improve environmental outcomes.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power emphasises: “Empowering women strengthens economies, communities and ecosystems.”

A comprehensive approach to supply chain resilience

Launching with an initial fund of US$50m, to which USAID has contributed more than US$11m, the initiative plans to scale up to US$90m within five years.

Its central goal is to intertwine gender equity with environmental sustainability, rooted in practical solutions that benefit both individuals and the planet.

By fostering women's leadership in agriculture, the initiative illustrates how inclusive practices can seamlessly be aligned with environmental objectives, such as reducing carbon footprints and preserving biodiversity.

The cascading effects of this initiative showcase its potential as a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable supply chains, facilitating benefits across industries, communities and ecosystems.

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