In the heart of rural Africa, women farmers work tirelessly to feed their families and communities, yet they remain excluded from the tools and resources that could transform their lives. Imagine waking up at dawn, balancing a child on her back while sowing seeds into a field. She becomes the backbone of her family’s survival and her community’s sustenance. But, despite her invaluable contribution, she is locked out of the very resources and tools that could transform her livelihood. This is the daily reality for millions of women farmers across Africa—a reality we can no longer afford to ignore.
Despite making up nearly 66% of the agricultural labour force in Sub-Saharan Africa (FAO, 2023), these women face significant barriers such as limited access to technology, financial resources, and markets. This gender gap in agriculture not only limits their potential but also affects the region’s food security and economic growth. Closing the gender gap in agriculture would generate significant gains for the agriculture sector and for society. Research by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that if women had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30%. This could raise total agricultural output in developing countries by 2.5–4% (FAO, 2011).
One solution to bridging this gap lies in the power of digital tools. Mobile technology, for example, has become a game-changer for rural farmers. Mobile apps provide real-time weather forecasts, market prices, and agricultural tips, enabling farmers to make informed decisions. However, only 31% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa use mobile internet compared to 45% of men (GSMA, 2023). This digital divide highlights the urgent need for tailored solutions to empower women farmers with the tools they need to thrive.
Bridging this divide requires innovative solutions and Tech Herfrica is leading the charge with its groundbreaking initiatives. Through the EquipHer4Growth initiative, Tech Herfrica is tackling the digital divide by supporting rural women farmers with essential digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills. By equipping female farmers with smartphones, they are able to access real-time market prices, connect with buyers and suppliers directly, and take advantage of online platforms to expand their reach.
Tech Herfrica also partners with local communities to provide digital literacy training, ensuring women can effectively use these technologies. One outstanding example is the recent EquipHer4Growth initiative project which happened on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Gwagwalada, FCT Abuja. During the training, Tech Herfrica trained 210 women on how to use a WhatsApp-based chatbot to learn essential skills such as bookkeeping, smartphone usage, and leveraging social media for business. For women without smartphones, community-led sessions ensured no one was left behind, fostering a collaborative environment where they could access the same resources.