The Agence nationale d'appui au développement rural (ANADER) recently celebrated rural women in Brobo, Cote d'Ivoire, on the occasion of the 2026 International Day of Rural Women. This event aimed to recognize their contributions to economic development and food security while strengthening their entrepreneurial capacities. The celebration, themed "From production to entrepreneurship: supporting women from Brobo, Mamini, and Bounda towards profitable and sustainable agricultural activities," brought together numerous women from cooperatives and community associations.
The program included exchanges and practical advice on agricultural entrepreneurship, access to bank financing, and support mechanisms offered by ANADER to sustain and develop rural women's activities. Kassoum Karamoko, Director-General of ANADER, representing the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Louis Kouakou Habonouan, emphasized the Ivoirian authorities' ambition to transform agricultural raw materials to increase their value added. He stressed the need to move beyond mere production and sales, advocating for transformation to boost economic benefits.
Karamoko highlighted the significant post-harvest losses affecting 30 to 40 percent of food crops, identifying storage and transformation as major challenges for agricultural actors. He commended the women for their existing transformation initiatives, encouraging them to expand these efforts to improve their incomes and livelihoods. Despite these efforts, Karamoko noted persistent difficulties faced by rural women, including sociocultural restrictions limiting their access to land and obstacles in obtaining financing.
The Director-General encouraged the women to maintain close ties with ANADER to benefit from tailored advice and support. He underscored the strategic importance of the agro-industry in transforming Cote d'Ivoire's economy, highlighting Bouaké's potential as a major food production area with dynamic women. Koby Anne Louise, Deputy Prefect of Mamini, representing the Gbêkê region prefect, praised the courage and resilience of rural women, acknowledging their vital role in agricultural production, transformation, and marketing.
She also recognized their essential contributions to child education and household management, emphasizing that their daily efforts directly impact food security, poverty reduction, and local economic dynamism. N'Guessan Marie Jeanne, a member of the Eboyokoun association from Brobo, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, called for enhanced means of production and support for rural women to strengthen their economic autonomy and contributions to food security.
The celebration in Brobo and Djebonoua demonstrates ANADER's commitment to empowering rural women, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing food security in Cote d'Ivoire. By addressing the challenges faced by these women and providing them with the necessary tools and support, ANADER aims to foster economic growth and improve livelihoods in rural communities.
The event concluded with a renewed focus on the importance of rural women's empowerment and the need for continued support and collaboration to achieve sustainable development and food security in Cote d'Ivoire. Key stakeholders, including government officials, ANADER representatives, and rural women, reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Key points
- ANADER celebrates rural women in Brobo and Djebonoua on World Food Day, highlighting their role in economic development and food security.
- The celebration focuses on supporting women towards profitable and sustainable agricultural activities.
- Rural women face challenges including sociocultural restrictions and obstacles to financing, but are crucial to food security and economic development.
