Cotton is more than just a crop in Southern Africa; it’s a critical cash crop that supports rural livelihoods, especially for small-scale farmers. Yet, the challenges faced in cotton production are numerous—from climate change to pest infestations—making the role of skilled extension officers vital in ensuring sustainable farming practices. To this end, the East and Southern Africa Cotton Organisation (ESACO), with support from We Effect, is hosting a Regional Female Extension Officers Training from the 15th to 20th of September 2024. This training is set to bring together female extension workers from Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique for a transformative week of learning, networking, and empowerment.
The training is part of ESACO’s broader vision to foster sustainable cotton production and promote gender inclusivity in a historically male-dominated industry. Mr. Sunduzwayo Banda, Permanent Secretary of ESACO, emphasized the importance of empowering women in the cotton sector. “The objective of this training is to equip officers with modern sustainable cotton production techniques, while also addressing the unique challenges female extension workers face in this field. Through this, we hope to build a strong platform for knowledge-sharing and mentorship,” said Banda.
We Effect, a global development organization focusing on sustainable rural development, plays a significant role in this initiative and the strengthening of ESACO as a regional body that supports its country level member organizations. Our Southern Africa program works to address issues of food security, climate resilience, and gender equality. By partnering with ESACO, We Effect is helping to ensure that female extension officers are not only trained in technical aspects but also supported in breaking gender barriers within the agricultural sector. The member organisations for ESACO who are benefitting from the Women Economic Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain Project (WEECVC) are Handlooms and Textile Technologies in Zambia (HATTAZ), Zimbabwe Farmers Union, FONPA from Mozambique and AICC from Malawi.
COTTON AS A CASH CROP UNDER PRESSURE SHORT BACKGROUND
Cotton farming has long been a source of income for smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. However, growing the crop is punctuated by many challenges. Climate change has led to unpredictable weather patterns, affecting yields, while pests and diseases often result in devastating crop losses. Moreover, the sector has traditionally been male dominated, with women often sidelined from key roles like extension services. Yet, female extension workers are crucial as they offer unique insights, particularly when working with women farmers, who make up a large portion of the labor force in rural agriculture.
KEY TOPICS TO BE COVERED DURING THE TRAINING
The week-long training will cover a range of essential topics. Aurister Chembe of Falane Solutions will facilitate a session on: The psychology of a female worker in a male-dominated sector, aiming to provide tools for navigating the gender dynamics within agriculture. Gender inclusivity is critical for a more equitable and effective cotton industry.
On the technical side, Dr. Richard Chanda from the Seed Control and Certification Institute will lead discussions on Seed quality and yield improvement. “Cotton seed quality is at the core of sustainable production, particularly when we talk about climate adaptation and disaster risk management,” notes Dr. Chanda. Improving seed quality can significantly increase yields and build resilience against climate shocks.
Mweene Kambombi from the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) will address Pest and phytosanitary requirements, a major concern in cotton production. Pests are one of the biggest threats to cotton crops and managing them sustainably is critical to maintaining the crop’s viability.
Finally, Diana Simbotwe from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) will speak on Climate change adaptation in agribusiness, a pressing issue as cotton farmers face more extreme weather patterns. Simbotwe’s session will focus on strategies for adapting to these challenges while maintaining the economic viability of cotton as a cash crop.
A FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE COTTON
This Regional Female Extension Training, spearheaded by ESACO and supported by We Effect through WEECVC Project, is a vital step toward more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cotton production in Southern Africa. By empowering female extension workers with both technical and leadership skills, the region will better navigate the challenges of climate change, gender inequality, and low yields. As Mr. Banda put it, “This training is not just about improving cotton production; it’s about setting a foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future for agriculture in our region.”
