“As we continue to navigate the challenges facing women in agriculture, it is clear that collaboration is our most powerful tool,” These were the words of Dr Innocent Sirovha, CEO of AgriSETA, as he addressed participants at their annual general meeting last week.
Sirovha’s call to action highlighted the need for cross-sector partnerships to empower women and bridge gender disparities within South Africa’s agricultural landscape.
The AGM marked the celebration of AgriSETA’s accomplishments in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, with chairperson Sharon Sepeng sharing some remarkable milestones, including AgriSETA’s achievement of artisan development targets far ahead of schedule.
Artisanal skills, crucial for the industry and scarce across South Africa, have been a key focus, and AgriSETA’s progress has created a much-needed pipeline of skilled workers, helping reduce unemployment and strengthen the sector’s capacity. Furthermore, AgriSETA earned a clean audit, reinforcing its dedication to transparency and responsible resource management.
Amid these advancements, AgriSETA’s efforts to uplift women in agriculture took centre stage. Women are an essential yet underrepresented demographic in the country’s agriculture sector. They are pivotal to ensuring food security, driving rural development, and advancing environmental sustainability.
However, challenges persist: from limited access to funding and training to structural barriers that restrict their active participation. Through initiatives targeting these barriers, AgriSETA has been an ardent advocate for the empowerment of women, ensuring they receive the tools and support necessary to contribute to the sector’s future.
“Women are not just beneficiaries of change in agriculture; they are the architects of it,” noted Sirovha.
“We are witnessing a paradigm shift where women are leading the charge in innovation, sustainability, and food security. It is essential that we empower them through funding, skills development, and collaborative partnerships that allow them to shape agriculture confidently and sustainably.”
Leaders in sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture
AgriSETA’s vision includes driving sustainable practices through the adoption of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, as well as promoting access to training and educational resources. These actions are essential for unlocking women’s potential in agriculture, allowing them to lead with resilience and innovation.
In the face of climate change, which often impacts women in rural communities first, AgriSETA is also focusing on fostering climate-resilient practices and renewable energy adoption, highlighting women’s critical role as agents of environmental change.
The AGM also featured discussions on women’s roles in championing renewable energy solutions and building sustainable agricultural models. AgriSETA’s initiatives aim to build a resilient ecosystem that prioritises environmental sustainability and enhances economic opportunities for women in agriculture.
“As we continue to navigate the challenges facing women in agriculture, it is clear that collaboration is our most powerful tool,” Sirovha concluded. “We must work together across sectors and industries to create an ecosystem that not only supports women but champions their leadership in transforming agriculture.”
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