WORLD FOOD PROGRAM USA: Changing Lives: Rwanda

In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 60% of women work in agriculture. They are the largest contributors to the region’s agricultural sector but face systemic challenges in their access to farming inputs such as seeds, tools and finance. WFP centers Women & Girls as part of its food systems work in East Africa. WFP is one of the region’s largest food buyers, which is why our programs work with women to ensure they have the training, tools, financial resources and access to markets they need to boost agricultural production. This includes strengthening small-scale farmer cooperatives, improving access to finance and predictable markets, implementing initiatives to reduce post-harvest losses, and providing access to inputs and services for an improved quality of crops. WFP also links farmers to potential commercial buyers, as well as to government-led programs of fortified blended food for nutrition and homegrown school meals. In Rwanda, agriculture represents one-third of the country’s economy. WFP supports the government of Rwanda in strengthening the agriculture sector, boosting crop production and incomes, and improving the food and nutrition security and the quality of life of Rwanda’s rural population.