Empowering Women and Youth with Disabilities in Food Systems
To build resilient and sustainable food systems, it’s crucial to ensure equal access to agricultural opportunities, resources, and training. To address barriers faced by people with disabilities, 2021 Fellowship Alumni Xangamira Sitoe and Simon Nyaga Wanjiru collaborated to empower women and youth with disabilities in food systems.
Through a Leveraging Innovations in New Communities (LINC) Grant, the pair provided comprehensive training to 30 individuals in Mozambique on farming techniques, crop management, post-harvest practices, digital marketing, and market linkages.
The project offered participants a platform to voice their challenges in accessing resources and opportunities in agriculture, and the training’s practical skills and knowledge empowered them to effectively manage farming activities. Additionally, the project facilitated interactions with the agriculture and trade departments in Mozambique, advocating for better access to resources for people with disabilities.
Xangamira reflected on the project’s impact, “This collaboration has opened doors for individuals with disabilities in our communities, enabling them to participate actively and effectively in food systems.”
To support continued interaction and resource sharing among the participants, Xangamira and Simon established a networking platform to inspire future connections.
Written by Karigania Mwamlole.