Roundtable Convening on Women and Youth SMEs in Agribusiness

Abstract

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture collaborated with The Rallying Cry to understand the challenges faced by women- and youth-led agribusinesses in Zambia. As such, two workshops were previously held in September and December 2022 with the target group to obtain an understanding of their challenges and identify possible solutions. These challenges were categorised into themes: (a) Environmental constraints; (b) Network; (c) Climate change response; (d) Capacity Building; and (e) Social and cultural norms. The women and youth in attendance generated solutions and shared wish list items in both workshops. This output framed and provided the basis for the Roundtable convening held on 2 March 2023. A range of stakeholders from across the private and public sector ecosystem were invited to participate in a full day engagement of co-designing solutions for identified challenges, identifying relevant roles for stakeholder action and developing a blueprint for possible next steps. Key highlights from the event confirmed the challenges and potential solutions previously identified by the women and youth. Stakeholders from local capital providers, entrepreneur support organisations and relevant government ministries provided input into and expanded possible solutions and roles for applicable ecosystem players. Lastly, the events of the day showed that many of the identified solutions are interdependent, and that tangible change will require multi-sector interventions. To implement the actions and recommendations from the Roundtable, a ‘task force’ could be assembled to develop a detailed yearlong workplan to support selected and agreed solutions. Updates can then be shared at subsequent Roundtables; this could become an annual event that draws diverse stakeholders to a single forum. We also see the longer term need to develop an ecosystem initiative for relevant stakeholders that connects siloed activities and objectives and includes the development of a more intentional and supported network for women and youth agripreneurs.