As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended women farmers for their tireless efforts in ensuring food security. The organization reaffirms its commitment to advocating for policies and practices that promote the livelihood, health, and well-being of small-scale women farmers.
According to Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA, “Women farmers face numerous challenges, including indoor air pollution from traditional cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood, which pose significant health risks. To address this, we will intensify our advocacy for cleaner cooking technologies to promote good health and well-being among women smallholder farmers.”
In addition to promoting cleaner cooking technologies, HEDA will prioritize empowering women farmers with critical climate and agrometeorological information. This will enable them to make informed decisions and minimize losses, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable food system.
“We will also collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen market linkages, creating better economic opportunities for women in agriculture. HEDA remains committed to amplifying the voices of women farmers, championing their rights, and pushing for policies that empower them to thrive,” added Arigbabu.
By focusing on the specific needs and challenges of women smallholder farmers, HEDA aims to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable food system transformation.
