CABI and the Zambian Government have joined forces to launch a new Gender Technical Working Group (GTWG) as part of a greater commitment to gender equality in the agricultural sector which is the backbone of Zambia’s economy.
The GTWG’s establishment comes at a time when gender inequalities continue to hinder agricultural development which accounts for 20 percent of Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product. Women make up 78 percent of Zambia’s agricultural workforce but face challenges in accessing land, financing, and extension services.
By strengthening gender-responsive policies, promoting capacity building, and enhancing accountability, the GTWG aims to create a more inclusive agricultural sector where the contributions of women and men are valued equally.
Importance of empowering women
Dr Natasha Mwila, CABI’s Regional Director, Southern Africa, said the GTWG will emphasize the importance of empowering women who play an “indispensable role in agriculture” yet barriers exist particularly when it comes to key decision making.
She added that the GTWG will ensure “voices are heard and their contributions valued” in an agricultural industry in which over 60 percent of Zambia’s population derives its livelihoods and help ensure the country’s food security.
Furthermore, Mr Benson Mutuku, CABI’s Gender Coordinator, Africa, who highlighted the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, said, “Collaboration across sectors is essential to mainstream gender-sensitive approaches in Zambia’s agricultural policies and programmes.”
Benson Mutuku speaking at the launch of the Gender Technical Working Group.
Meanwhile, Director of Gender Division, Mr Henry Nkhoma, speaking on behalf of Mrs Mainga Kabika, Permanent Secretary – Gender Division, reaffirmed the group’s significance adding that the GTWG is “not just a formality but a transformative force that will catalyse real change in achieving gender-equitable agricultural services.”
Capacity building for female agricultural service providers
Among the key objectives, outlined in a workshop held as part of the launch of the GTWG at Twangale Park Hotel in Lusaka, are strengthening gender-responsive policy implementation in agriculture and promoting capacity building for female agricultural service providers.
It is hoped that the GTWG will also enhance multi-sectoral collaboration and accountability while also monitoring progress toward gender-balanced advisory services.
Dr Mwila added, “The GTWG aims to address persistent gender disparities in agricultural resource access and decision-making opportunities for women.
“By focusing on gender-responsive policies, capacity building, and actionable strategies, the working group seeks to empower women farmers and agricultural service providers, ensuring their contributions to food security and rural development are fully recognized and supported.”
Commitments translate into tangible actions
Stakeholders will work collaboratively to implement the strategies discussed during the workshop. Regular progress reviews will ensure that commitments translate into tangible actions that benefit women farmers and agricultural service providers across Zambia.
Mr Nkhoma said, “The establishment of this working group is not an isolated effort, it is a direct response to existing challenges in achieving gender-balanced agricultural services in Zambia.
“It will serve as a platform for multi-sectoral engagement, knowledge sharing, policy development, and coordinated action towards gender mainstreaming in all relevant sectors.”
He added that the “new dawn government remains resolute in its commitment to gender equality” and that sustainable agricultural growth and national development cannot be achieved without empowering women and girls.
CABI’s work regarding gender equality for smallholder farmers in Zambia included participatory video training in September 2024 to help women better tackle the fall armyworm pest which threatens their livelihoods and food security.
CABI engaged with 17 women from two camps in Chirundu district (Southern Province), namely Kapululira and Gota Gota, as part of the project ‘Village-based biological control of fall armyworm in Zambia,’ funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
Attendees at the launch of the Gender Technical Working Group in Lusaka.
Additional information
Main image: Dr Natasha Mwila and Mr Henry Nkhoma from the Zambian Government.
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