State Minister Stresses Need for Empowering Women in Agriculture

Addis Ababa, October 15, 2026 (ENA) — Empowering women in agriculture is crucial to bringing about the desired change and transformation in the sector, Agriculture State Minister Sofia Kassa said.

International Women Farmers and Pastoralists Day was marked under the theme: “Empower Women Farmers, Strengthen Food Security, Build a Prosperous Ethiopia” in Addis Ababa today.

In her opening remarks, the state minister emphasized that to fully utilize the country's development potential in the agricultural sector, efforts must be strengthened to ensure the direct benefit of women farmers and pastoralists.

She noted that empowering women farmers significantly contributes to ensuring food security and building a prosperous Ethiopia.

 

Therefore, Sofia stressed the need to empower women farmers by enhancing financial access, leveraging technology, and ensuring land ownership, among other measures.

Efforts will be strengthened to ensure that women benefit equally from digital agricultural technologies, access to climate-resilient seed varieties, and labor-saving tools, the state minister said.

Emphasizing that an adequate financial supply tailored to the nature of agriculture must be facilitated, she expressed the government's strong commitment to providing financial access in rural areas, particularly for women farmers and pastoralists.

Stating that women across all parts of the country are engaged in agricultural activities ranging from smallholder farming to large-scale investment, Sofia added that women achieve impressive yields through diligent land preparation and cultivation activities.

 

Furthermore, she pointed out that women also possess the capacity to be productive, competitive, and strong leaders despite facing many challenges, highlighting the need to support and empower model women farmers and pastoralists moving forward.

As women make a significant contribution to feeding millions of people globally, the state minister said greater attention will be given to enhance women’s participation and benefits in the sector.

On the sidelines of the event, 33 water pumps and 150 knapsack sprayers were distributed to model women farmers as part of encouraging female farmers.