Tumusiime calls for increased focus on nutrition

PIC: Rhoda Tumusiime during the conference in Senegal. (Courtsey photo)

AGRICULTURE | WOMEN

Former African Union commissioner for rural economy and agriculture, Rhoda Tumusiime, has called for increased focus on nutrition along with more empowerment of women through commercial agriculture.

"I believe African governments can and should do enough to promote enhanced participation of women in agriculture. Along with this, more women should get a deeper understanding of the importance of nutrition and how this goes hand in hand with agribusiness," Tumusiime said.

She made the remarks during the third edition of the Africa Agribusiness Incubation Conference and Expo in the Dakar, Senegal where celebrations of the International Women's Day were included.

Adding to the significance of including women, Tumusiime also called on stakeholders to pick from a component of the Malabo Declaration. The declaration calls for the integration of measures for increased agricultural productivity with social protection initiatives focusing on vulnerable social groups through committing targeted budget lines within national budgets.

Involvement in agriculture

According to Tumusiime, agriculture remains a leading source of livelihood and incomes, especially for women.

"It is important to note that around 62% of working women in Africa are involved in the agriculture sector. Case studies also indicate that this percentage goes as high as 90% in some countries, including Rwanda, Malawi and Burkina Faso," Tumusiime added.

Add value, add profit

While speaking at the conference, Sarah Ndoboli Kataike from the Office of the President, called on African countries to embrace and invest more in agro-processing like Uganda has.

"In Uganda, we are prioritising value addition in form of agro-processing and industrialisation. This is being considered as we also focus on agribusiness incubation as a means of creating jobs and supporting small and medium enterprises in agribusiness," she said.

The call for action was welcomed by Dr Alex Ariho, the chief executive officer of the African Agribusiness Incubators Network, the host organisation of the conference. This year's theme was "Youth engagement in agribusiness trade and investment".