Accelerating Action: Empowering Women in Uganda's Animal Resources Sector
In the heart of Uganda, a remarkable story of women's empowerment is unfolding, aligning perfectly with the 2025 International Women's Day theme: "Accelerate Action." The African Women in Animal Resources Farming and Agribusiness Network (AWARFA) Uganda has emerged as a beacon of hope, driving transformative change in the animal resources sector.
Established in 2020, AWARFA Uganda set out to transform the lives of Ugandan women through comprehensive training, resource mobilization, networking, and policy advocacy. The organization's impact has been far-reaching, addressing critical challenges in a sector where women have long been underrepresented.
The RAFFS Project: A Catalyst for Change
The Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project, launched by the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), has been instrumental in accelerating action for these women. In October 2023, Uganda hosted the launch of the RAFFS Project and the AWARFA-Uganda Chapter, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Africa's agricultural sector.
AU-IBAR provided AWARFA Uganda with financial and technical support, enabling the organization to launch initiatives that directly address the challenges faced by women in the sector.
Addressing Critical Sector Challenges
The importance of AWARFA's work cannot be overstated. Feed and fodder production accounts for 50 to 70 percent of animal production costs, making innovation and support in this area crucial, particularly amidst the impact of climate change.
Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, emphasized the sector's vulnerability, citing the devastating impact of drought on livestock in the greater Horn of Africa. The loss of 9.5 million livestock, valued at over $2 billion, underscores the need for urgent action.
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
AWARFA Uganda's multifaceted approach focuses on comprehensive training, resource mobilization, networking, and policy advocacy. The RAFFS Project has provided crucial technical assistance, enhancing the skills and capacities of AWARFA Uganda's members.
This comprehensive approach ensures that women are given resources and equipped with the knowledge to use them effectively. Financial empowerment is a critical aspect of this approach. AWARFA Uganda's partnership with DFCU Bank in Uganda has resulted in a tailored loan program, allowing members to access a minimum of $50,000 up to infirnity, at a competitive interest rate of 10 percent annually.
Nutrition and Food Security
Animal production is critical for improving nutrition across the continent. Livestock products such as milk, meat, and eggs are rich sources of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, crucial for addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in Africa.
By empowering women in the animal resources sector, AWARFA promotes gender equality and contributes to the overall nutritional well-being of communities.
A Brighter Future
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, AWARFA Uganda is a shining example of how focused initiatives can drive real change. By addressing key challenges such as lack of capital, skills gaps, and unfavorable policies, the network is accelerating action towards gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
The journey of AWARFA and its members embodies the spirit of "Accelerating Action" demonstrating that women can overcome barriers and thrive in any field with the right support and determination. As we look to the future, AWARFA Uganda and the RAFFS Project continue to pave the way for a more equitable world where all women and girls can claim their rights, achieve equality, and realize their full potential in the animal resources sector.