Coalition for Conservation Inc.’s Post

I have been part of the coordinating team for the 2024 International Day of Rural Women commemoration event: "Rural Women at the Center of Actions to End Poverty and Food Insecurity through Sustainable Use and Care of Biodiversity in the Agri-food Systems of Latin America and the Caribbean." Indeed, this was my first event in this new professional stage with the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. I want to share three lessons I learned during the preparation of this event: 1ºActive participation, leadership, institutional support, and financing for rural women are the most intelligent investments to ensure sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems. 2º The intersectional approach is essential to understanding the complexity and unique opportunities of Latin America and the Caribbean. 3ºInstitutions' capacity to guarantee their accessibility to rural women in all communities and territories is a crucial factor and a guarantee of success. https://lnkd.in/dHhRWy5j

Today is the United Nations' International Day of Rural Women. Rural women are at the heart of our food systems. In the Global South, the majority of women in rural areas are farmers. They grow food for their families and communities, strengthen economies, conserve biodiversity, protect local ecosystems, and build resilience to climate change. Yet despite these essential contributions, women’s farming is often undervalued and constrained by structural barriers, limiting their agency and preventing them from leading in their communities and beyond. Change begins with recognizing women’s vital role in climate-resilient food production and sustainable market development. Upholding their participation, priorities, and knowledge is key to transforming food systems. — We are proud to support rural women farmers through our Rural Women Cultivating Change project, implemented with support from Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada and in partnership with local organizations in East Africa. This project promotes a gender transformative agroecology approach, which we believe is essential for enhancing women’s engagement and resilience in food systems. 📷: Farmer Amina Agustin Mzelu tends to her field in Kikundi Village, Morogoro, Tanzania. #InternationalDayofRuralWomen #RuralWomen #SeedChange

as you plan for the year, do have a look at this. African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)

What lessons have managers learnt or better still what managers need to know about African Communities? African Communities are not homogenous. They are deeply connected to their land and their survival depend on it. Agriculture is predominately their source of food security and income generation. Landownership is unwritten. It is based on customary norms and practices. Most lands of African Communities are unmapped and the size in acre or hectare is unknown. Land use varies from community to community and some lack land use and spatial planning. There are traditional boundaries between communities and some overlapped with statutory boundaries and some of these issues are still unresolved. In most African Communities, chiefs, elders, youth, women and religious leaders are the authorized representation, decision-making bodies and custodians of African Communities. African communities are home of forests, biodiversity, but also a new frontline for agribusiness and a major source of raw products such as cocoa, rubber, palm, coffee, groundnut, etc. Community engagement and sustainability are interlocked and remain best option for companies to thrive in Africa. But implementation of both community engagement and sustainability on the ground remain the biggest challenge, leading to campaigns against companies by civil society organizations and international NGOs. Companies, especially agribusinesses have been connected to land grabbing, persistent deforestation and lack of decent compensation. To address the land grabbing, persistent deforestation and lack of decent compensation, some companies have seen community engagement and sustainability as best options. To implement community engagement and sustainability, many approaches have been tested, of which certification, verification and continuous improvement have stood the test of time and have become common practices in companies, most especially agribusinesses. However, these approaches are client specific or client focus. In my next post, will dive into the roots of land grabbing, persistent deforestation and the lack of decent compensation. Let me know what you think :)

Empowering the women of Homa Bay County through sustainable fish farming!   We are proud to celebrate the incredible women of Homa Bay County who are challenging traditional stereotypes in fish farming - a field typically dominated by men in this area. Thanks to Rio Fish Ltd, an investee in the Investing in Women in the Blue Economy in Kenya Programme (IIW-BEK), 20 women groups in Suba South have gained the skills, knowledge, and resources needed for sustainable fish cage farming. This achievement is a significant step towards their economic independence. Diana Muthike Thomas, Angela Juliana O., Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development outlines ambitious objectives, including the eradication of poverty, hunger, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and improved nutrition. In alignment with these goals, the DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative hosted a virtual side event during the ongoing #HLPF2024, focusing on "United For Sustainable Food Systems: Collective Solutions to End Hunger, Achieve Food Security, and Foster Inclusive Innovations." The event highlighted key takeaways, including: 1. Collaboration and partnerships are essential for achieving Zero Hunger. 2. Empowering farmers and local communities is crucial for sustainable food security. 3. Investing in education, technology, and sustainable practices is necessary for sustainable development. 4. Food sovereignty and protecting indigenous crops are important considerations in achieving food security. 5. Addressing the root causes of hunger, such as poverty and inequality, is critical to achieving Zero Hunger. The event was skillfully moderated by Olasubomi Sofowora, an international and community development professional and Board Member of DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative. The event outlined a clear line of action, including: 1.Scaling up the DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative's #HomeFarm project to 200,000 households by December 2026. 2.Replicating the Home Farm project in different regions, customized to meet local needs and contexts. 3. Drafting a UN resolution to inspire food security efforts, with a focus on preserving farmers' rights and interests in Africa. 4. Continuing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to find solutions for achieving Zero Hunger and sustainable food systems. The Event Featured Eminent Speakers from diverse United Nations #Formations and representatives . Liberato Bautista Donna Bollinger Olasubomi Sofowora Tinuke Bosun-Okusaga Lucy Mutuku Francis Adeshina Dr. Dotun Famoriyo For Full Report : https://lnkd.in/dGRvfgMJ

🌾 Empowering Rural Women for a Sustainable Future 🌾 On this International Day of Rural Women, we recognise the indispensable contributions of rural women to agriculture, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Empowering rural women is not just a matter of equality—it’s key to achieving sustainable development and tackling global challenges like food security, climate change, and poverty. When rural women have equal access to resources and opportunities, they can unlock the full potential of their communities, leading to stronger economies and healthier ecosystems. 🌍 In Rwanda, where agriculture employs 80% of the population, rural women face unique challenges, from limited access to resources to the effects of land degradation and poor farming practices. We’re proud to have supported an initiative focused on developing agroforestry value chains. This intervention not only explored opportunities for smallholder farmers but also analysed the gender gap, ensuring that women in agroforestry have equal opportunities to thrive. Through our work, we aim to:  ➡ Foster economic growth and ecosystem restoration ➡ Contribute to climate change mitigation through CO2 sequestration ➡ Create pathways for rural women to play a leading role in these value chains 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eYKUExuF 📣 At the ICR Facility, we are committed to supporting initiatives that advance the role of women in agriculture and rural development. Through gender-responsive policies and inclusive economic strategies, we can create environments where rural women can thrive and drive the change we need.   Rural women are key to sustainable development. Let’s ensure they have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. 💡 🔗 To learn more about our work in Rwanda, follow the link to our website:  https://lnkd.in/eNm_8xUb Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH British Council Expertise France SNV

On 11 June, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched the inaugural Regional Philanthropic Dialogue on advancing equitable agriculture and food systems through #philanthropy for rural development. Discussions focused on bold actions for the #2030Agenda and fostering impactful partnerships with philanthropic organizations. Foundations were encouraged to offer technical assistance and develop thematic knowledge products for rural capacity building. The dialogue emphasized foundations' role in amplifying investments, co-financing International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) projects, and convening joint events to drive policy changes. With a shared commitment to equitable and sustainable food systems, the event brought together leading foundations such as The Rockefeller Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, Women First International Fund, ClimateWorks Foundation, Jollibee Foods Foundation, YAYASAN AGRI SUSTINERI INDONESIA, Oak Foundation, British Asian Trust, The Nippon Foundation, Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung - HRNS and Aga Khan Development Network and Chaudhary Foundation. #IFAD #Partnerships #Philanthropy #FoodSecurity #RuralTransformation #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #Innovation #Collaboration 

At UrbanFarm Africa, we're not just about farming – we're on a mission to revolutionize communities through sustainable agriculture. 🚀 🌾 Food Security: We believe in creating sustainable opportunities for communities. To achieve food security, we're committed to innovative solutions that resonate with everyone. 🌱 Youth Empowerment: Bringing the youth back into agriculture requires excitement and inspiration. We're creating a buzz, making agriculture cool again, and providing opportunities that ignite passion and purpose. 🌺 Women in Agri Empowerment: Challenging the status quo is our mantra. We're implementing programs that empower women in agriculture, ensuring their meaningful participation and contribution to the industry's success. 🔄 Complete Food Value Chain: To involve everyone in the food value chain, we're creating opportunities at every stage. From cultivation to consumption, we're fostering inclusivity and collaboration for a thriving ecosystem. 🌍 Climate Change Mitigation: Our commitment extends to the planet. Smarter systems are the need of the hour. We're making these technologies accessible to all, addressing climate change challenges with a holistic and inclusive approach. 🌿 Holistic Game Changer: UrbanFarm Africa isn't just a product or service – it's a holistic game changer. Our approach transforms agriculture for women, youth, newcomers, small-scale farmers, and entire communities. 🌊 Sustainable Solutions: Introducing the Hydro Coop and more smart products, we're not just changing agriculture; we're changing lives. Our training and development programs are not just theoretical – they are practical, operational, and financially empowering. 💪 Capacity Building: We build capacity, allowing people to transition from welfare to development, from handouts to self-sufficiency. Together, we move from needing to giving, from hopelessness to building hope in others, and from poverty to sustainable living. 🌍 Community Transformation: At UrbanFarm Africa, our impact goes beyond agriculture; we're changing communities. Join us in this transformative journey towards improved livelihoods and a sustainable future. 🌿🌍 #UrbanFarmAfrica #AgricultureTransformation #SustainabilityRevolution #CommunityImpact

🌱Power of giving back to the community 🌟 Bright Faces Agricultural Consultants, a venture close to my heart, is aimed at empowering women-led small-scale farming enterprises in Kenya. 🚀 In 2019, we embarked on a mission to make a difference by addressing the challenges faced by these enterprises. Today, I'm proud to say that our collective efforts have yielded remarkable results - over 80 farmers, organized into 5 groups, are now exporting their products to different markets! 🌍💼 But it's not just about business success; it's about using business for social good. By enhancing product quality, improving operational efficiency, and fostering sustainable practices, we're not only doubling earnings but also empowering farmers and ensuring food security in the global supply chain. 🌾💼 Our journey has taught me the immense power of resilience, strategic partnerships, and empathy in driving positive change. I believe in the transformative potential of businesses to make a lasting impact on communities and the environment. 🌟 Join us in championing social good through business, and let's create a brighter, more sustainable future together! 💡 #BrightFaces #SocialGood #SustainableBusiness #Empowerment #Impact