The agricultural sector in Africa is a crucial component of economic development, providing employment, food security, and essential export revenue. However, women agripreneurs often face significant challenges in accessing resources, markets, and networks compared to their male counterparts.
Focused on countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, VALUE4HER aims to empower women, helping them thrive in a sector that is essential for food security and economic growth.
What is the VALUE4HER Initiative?
VALUE4HER is an Africa-wide initiative that provides women-led agribusinesses with opportunities for growth, including access to finance, market linkages, skills development, and advocacy platforms. Initially launched by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and later taken over by AGRA, VALUE4HER has become a critical platform for addressing gender disparities in African agriculture.
One of the standout features of VALUE4HER is VALUE4HERConnect, Africa’s first digital marketplace designed specifically for women in agribusiness. This online platform enables women agripreneurs to connect with peers, potential investors, buyers, and business service providers across the continent. VALUE4HERConnect is more than just a networking site—it’s a comprehensive business tool aimed at overcoming the structural challenges that hinder women from reaching their full potential in the agribusiness sector.
The Mission and Goals of VALUE4HER
- Increase Access to Markets: Women agripreneurs often operate at lower levels of the agricultural value chain, such as in small-scale retail, which limits their profitability. VALUE4HER strives to help women move up the value chain by linking them to high-value markets and competitive trading networks.
- Enhance Access to Finance: Limited access to capital is a significant barrier for women-led agribusinesses. VALUE4HER connects women with financiers and offers training on financial management, investment readiness, and creditworthiness, allowing them to build more financially resilient businesses.
- Develop Business Skills and Knowledge: Training is a central part of VALUE4HER, focusing on skills like marketing, digital literacy, and export compliance. Programs such as the African Resilience and Investment Series for Women Executives (ARISE) are instrumental in helping women agripreneurs adapt to market dynamics, particularly during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Advocate for Gender-Inclusive Policies: VALUE4HER actively promotes policies that level the playing field for women in agriculture, supporting an enabling environment where women in agribusiness can thrive.
- Build Networks and Social Capital: VALUE4HERConnect is not only about business transactions; it’s a community where women can share knowledge, experiences, and resources.
How to Apply for VALUE4HER
Women agripreneurs interested in joining VALUE4HER can easily apply to start benefiting from its resources. Here’s a quick guide:
Step 1: Visit the VALUE4HERConnect Platform
The first step is to access VALUE4HERConnect, which is the primary platform for women in agribusiness under this initiative. The platform is hosted by AGRA and serves as a digital marketplace and networking hub. You can visit application portal to start the registration process.
Step 2: Register and Create a Profile
On the platform, you’ll be prompted to register and create a profile. This profile will allow you to showcase your business, products, and services to potential investors, buyers, and collaborators across the continent. Make sure to fill out your profile thoroughly, including details about your business, the products you offer, and any unique value propositions that make your business stand out.
Step 3: Access Training and Resources
Once registered, you can explore the range of resources available on VALUE4HERConnect. This includes access to training modules on business management, digital marketing, investment readiness, and more.
Step 4: Apply for Financial Support and Investment Opportunities
As part of the initiative, VALUE4HER provides pathways to financial resources, including support from partnering financial institutions. You can apply for these opportunities directly on VALUE4HERConnect, with guidance on financial literacy and investment readiness.
Step 5: Participate in Advocacy and Policy Engagement Programs
VALUE4HER also invites members to participate in advocacy programs, where you can contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for women in agribusiness.
How VALUE4HERConnect Empowers Women Agripreneurs
1. Market Access and Visibility
VALUE4HERConnect enables women to showcase their products and services to a broader audience, including potential investors and buyers specifically interested in supporting women-owned enterprises.
2. Access to Finance and Investment Opportunities
The platform offers guidance on becoming investment-ready, including training on creating strong business pitches, understanding investor expectations, and managing finances effectively.
3. Training and Capacity Building
VALUE4HER provides training programs tailored to the needs of women agripreneurs, including digital literacy, business management, and agricultural best practices.
4. Advocacy and Policy Engagement
VALUE4HER promotes gender equality in agriculture by engaging with policymakers and industry leaders to create a supportive environment for women-led agribusinesses.
The Impact of VALUE4HER on Women Agripreneurs
- Enhanced Business Growth and Profitability: Many women who have joined VALUE4HERConnect report an increase in revenue due to improved market access and financial management skills.
- Increased Resilience During Economic Challenges: Through VALUE4HER, many women adapted to changing market conditions and maintained operations even during lockdowns.
- Strengthened Networks and Collaboration: VALUE4HERConnect facilitates connections among women agripreneurs, enabling knowledge sharing, support, and collaboration.
- Advocacy for Women’s Rights and Equality: VALUE4HER’s advocacy brings attention to the challenges faced by women in agriculture, supporting policy changes that benefit future generations of women agripreneurs.