Ouagadougou: The Network for the Promotion and Empowerment of Rural Women (REPAFER) organized an advocacy workshop on Thursday to mobilize technical and financial partners to support the training of rural women in gender-sensitive agricultural risk management. Five training modules designed to strengthen the resilience of rural women producers to agricultural hazards have been designed and presented to partners by the Network for the Promotion and Empowerment of Rural Women (REPAFER), for the implementation of its action-training program over the three-year period 2026-2029.
According to Burkina Information Agency, these modules focus on management improvements, capacity building for climate change adaptation, agricultural risk mitigation practices, and the promotion of innovative solutions fostering economic and climate resilience. They also emphasize integrating gender-sensitive approaches into agricultural risk management strategies. Issaka Savadogo, the consultant responsible for developing these training modules, stated that specific tools such as agricultural insurance, contract farming, women's agricultural entrepreneurship, and the promotion of biopesticides have been included.
Savadogo explained that the ultimate goal is to empower rural women to innovate, diversify their activities, and strengthen their resilience against potential crises. He also announced plans for training sessions for trainers to ensure the sustainable dissemination of this knowledge.
Mamounata Ki/Ouedraogo, the executive director of REPAFER Burkina, highlighted that this advocacy workshop marks an essential step following the validation of the training guides. She emphasized the objective of defining collaboration avenues for a three-year program covering 2026-2029, promoting a synergy of actions within the network's intervention areas.
Ms. Ki/Ouedraogo further stressed the importance of including men in this empowerment process. The planned actions by REPATER, based in Manga, include facilitating access to land, water, and credit, as well as promoting the production of organic fertilizers like "Bokashi" to address climate change challenges.
Dr. Mariam Zongo/Dama, a researcher at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), praised the initiative's relevance in popularizing technologies derived from scientific research. As an expert in agroecology, she expressed satisfaction at witnessing concrete actions addressing the real challenges faced by rural women.
Dr. Zongo/Dama hopes this workshop will raise awareness among technical and financial partners, encouraging them to support these initiatives. She believes such support will enhance the visibility and impact of efforts to help women overcome their daily difficulties.