Seeds and Skills for Women to Grow Vegetables

At Seed Programs International, we know that empowering women transforms communities. According to multiple studies, including those published by the UN, for every dollar a woman makes, 90% goes back into the community, in comparison to only 30-40% for men. This means more money reinvested into health, education, and other household-level needs that improve livelihood indicators. This is why one of our primary programmatic focus is supporting women groups in developing agricultural and market programs around the world. 

What does that look like? Well, let's take a look at a few of our partners. 

In central Senegal, we work with Taaru Askan and Tostan International to support over 120 women from 4 villages in learning regenerative and sustainable agriculture techniques to help their communities transition from heavy-pesticide, commercial style farming to organic farming that is good for longterm soil health, stabilizing food security for years to come. Alongside this transition comes marketing and business support to help the women enter their excess, organic produce into local markets to increase their incomes, breaking the cycle of poverty whilst spreading a demand for organic produce in the region. Check out the video below to see a testimonial from Awa Ba, a participant in this year's training. 

Farther East in Kenya, we are supporting a grassroots organization and women's cooperative called Shishaba, in Butere, Eastern Kenya. With Shishaba, we are supporting 100 women in permaulture training for increased food production yearround, despite changing climate patterns that are disrupting normal planting seasons and impacting communities' ability to feed themselves. Supporting 100 women means we are directly impacting around 600 people, with a further ripple effect throughout their entire communities. See the photos below of permaculture training in action!

In Guatemala, we work with Wellkind to support women-led community initiatives with the Mayan indigenous communities surrounding Lake Atitlan. While these trainings support entire families, including male members, all projects are led by women, leading to a multiplier effect of empowerment, gender equality, and increased food security in areas where diets are limited, insufficient, and oftentimes include little to no vegetables. Together, we're changing that. 

As this year's season is wrapping up, we're celebrating all 10 women-based organizations and initiatives we are supporting this year. We hope you'll celebrate with us. Next week, GlobalGiving is having their annual September Little x Little Campaign!

 From Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22, GlobalGiving is matching all donations up to $50 at 50%! This is a great opportunity to make your donation dollars go even further.

Your donation will ensure we can help more women feed their families, break the cycle of poverty, and build equitable food systems that are good for people and the planet. Share with your friends to make an even bigger impact!

Links:

• Regenerative Agriculture in Senegal, women speak out!