Vodacom Foundation is helping women farmers in South Africa take advantage of technology through its Women Farmers Programme, delivered in partnership with UN Women and South African Women in Farming (SAWIF).
The Women Farmers Programme provides digital literacy training and has helped more than 1,300 women farmers develop their digital skills since its pilot in 2018 in rural areas of Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal.
Women account for nearly half of the world’s smallholder farmers. In Africa, women farmers are responsible for producing around 70% of the continent’s food1. The agricultural sector is a significant provider of opportunities for employment and economic growth, particularly in poorer and rural areas.
Technology can play a critical role in helping smallholder farmers reach new customers and grow their businesses. However, women farmers in Africa – particularly those from rural areas and less privileged backgrounds – often lack access to the training or digital skills needed to take advantage of technology and the benefits it can offer.
