The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) has conducted a gender-sensitive and inclusive training on the premises of Furra Institute of Development Studies and Education in Yirgalem, Sidama Region.  

Designed to address both productive and personal dimensions of participants’ lives through holistic support, the latest training brought together representatives of horticulture producers, cooperative and union as well as regional and zonal gender committee members.

With prime focus on promoting equity, empowerment, and sustainable agricultural development, the training covered topics including, gender mainstreaming and gender-sensitive approaches in agricultural value chains, women’s and youth leadership development, horticulture and agribusiness ideas tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs.

Going well beyond farming and related technical skills, it also dwelt upon health related issues, particularly cervical cancer awareness, prevention, and management strategies.

The training is part of EHPEA’s implementation, in partnership with GIZ, of the Strengthening Rural Value Chains Phase II (SRVC II) project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.   

The project aims to improve the market readiness, compliance, and operational performance of horticulture producers and cooperatives while fostering inclusive, climate-smart, and sustainable growth for all actors across the value chains.  

While promoting sustainable and inclusive horticulture in the country, EHPEA remains committed to delivering tailored agribusiness mentorship, financial literacy, and leadership modules among others to women-led cooperatives and youth groups.