Africa-Press – Angola. The advances that the Angolan Government has made in transforming food systems with more and better inclusion of rural women, was recognized Wednesday, by the representative of the United Nations Fund for Food and Agriculture (FAO) in Angola, Gherda Barreto.
The recognition was made during her intervention at the 11th National Forum for Rural Women, which the city of Saurimo hosts from the 25th to the 26th of the current month, having highlighted that the National Development Plan (PDN) already recognizes the role and work of rural women in the sustainable development of the country.
According to the official, in Angola women constitute more than 70 percent of the active agricultural workforce, and dominate family production of food crops and informal marketing channels.
According to Gherda Barreto, it is estimated that 4.8 million women live in rural areas and play a crucial role in agriculture.
He added that the success of the new PND programs, PLANAGRÃO, PLANA PESCA and PLANA PECUÁRIA, will depend on the development of a more inclusive agri-business model, which improves the conditions of rural women in terms of productive service, financial resources and access to land.
He praised the Government of Angola, for the political decision to expand field schools throughout the country, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, where they implement the agricultural extension service training program, with 50 percent women’s participation.
He made it known that FAO supports the PRODESI program, from the Ministries of Economy and Planning (MEP), Social Action, Family and Gender Equality, as well as Agriculture and Forestry, in creating the largest platform for agribusiness women across the country, called “ AGROPRODESI WOMAN”.
He added that from 2022, FAO is also supporting the Government’s efforts in the agri-business dimension of the Informal Economy Reconversion Program (PREI), with the implementation of the “AGRIPREI” component, which promotes a value chain approach in which Women continue to gain greater funding and decision-making power, becoming formal economic agents in the food system.
He also said that this year, FAO carried out a study on the situation of women in the agri-food system, which shows with evidence the vital role that women play in agriculture, retail trade, salaried, empowered workers and much more.
The event, lasting two days, takes place under the motto “Women in Rural Environments the Key to Development”.
Participating in the event are vice-governors of the provinces of Bié, Lunda Norte, Moxico, Cabinda, directors of the provincial offices of Social Action and Gender Equality, with the respective representatives of rural women from across the country.
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