International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women worldwide while acknowledging the persistent challenges they face. For women farmers, this day holds particular significance, as they play a crucial role in global agriculture, often despite facing systemic barriers. Nearly half of the agricultural workforce is made up of women, yet many struggle with limited access to land, financial resources, training, and markets. Their contributions, however, are vital—not only for food security but also for environmental conservation and climate resilience.
In Ethiopia’s Sidama region, Zemenay Birhane is one such woman whose work exemplifies the power of sustainable farming. Through PUR’s collaboration with smallholder coffee farmers, she has received trees and technical support that have helped her transform her land. The benefits of agroforestry on her farm are clear: the trees she planted have improved soil fertility, reduced erosion, and provided essential shade for her coffee crops, leading to increased yields. The environmental impact is just as striking, with biodiversity beginning to flourish again – evidenced by the return of the Wolima bird, once absent from the region. “The trees I planted help me greatly,” she says. “They prevent soil erosion, make the soil fertile, and protect my coffee plants from the sun. That’s why I’ve been able to produce much more than before.”
Zemenay’s story is just one example of how women farmers are harnessing nature-based solutions to build sustainable livelihoods and restore ecosystems. Across the world, women are at the forefront of regenerative agriculture, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security for their communities. However, their path remains fraught with challenges. Structural inequalities, lack of recognition, and limited decision-making power often prevent women from fully benefiting from the land they cultivate. Initiatives that support women in agriculture, like those led by PUR, help break down these barriers and empower them to thrive.
Since 2015, PUR has been working alongside smallholder farmers in Sidama to promote land restoration and community resilience. In partnership with Nespresso and local organizations, the initiative has resulted in the planting of over two million trees, benefiting more than 15,000 farmers. To sustain these efforts, PUR has established seven community nurseries dedicated to growing indigenous trees, ensuring that ecosystem restoration continues for generations to come. Through training programs and technical support, PUR is also equipping farmers, particularly women, with the knowledge and tools to navigate climate challenges while improving their agricultural productivity.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and ingenuity of women like Zemenay. Their commitment to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship is a testament to the critical role women play in shaping a more resilient and equitable future.
