Mukuru, W.I.F.E. Partner to Empower Rural Women Farmers

By Staff Writer

HARARE – MUKURU has announced a strategic partnership with the Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship (W.I.F.E.) to roll out a targeted initiative aimed at supporting and growing rural women’s farming enterprises.

The joint effort, themed “Building Resilient Livelihoods through Agroecological Sunflower Value Chain Development for Rural Women,” is designed to foster economic inclusion for traditionally underserved communities.

The project will focus on providing beneficiaries with access to finance, comprehensive training in agroecology, and instruction on sunflower cultivation, processing, and marketing.

W.I.F.E. founder Amanda Munyoro said the partnership is a significant milestone, emphasising that it offers more than financial support.

“Within the sunflower project we are launching in Guruve, we will pilot with 30 farmers and then grow the numbers afterwards, with a vision of reaching at least 200 women within the next five years. Our members will gain access to Mukuru’s suite of relevant services, including the Mukuru Wallet, further enhancing their economic participation and quality of life,” Munyoro said.

While primarily focused on empowering women, 20% of the beneficiaries will be men to ensure inclusivity.

The farmers will benefit from Mukuru’s Money Matters Training, aligning with Mukuru’s commitment to driving long-term, positive change.

On the other hand, W.I.F.E.’s mission to reduce dependency on donors by fostering financial literacy and providing access to financial and non-financial capital for sustainable agripreneurship will be achieved.

A beneficiary of the project, Precious Hofisi, a 52-year-old widow, said the initiative was life-changing.

“The challenge has always been earning a consistent income from farming. The access to farm inputs, the knowledge we’ll be exposed to, and the market access will empower me to support my family fully,” Hofisi said.

This initiative forms part of Mukuru’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, which aims to uplift rural communities by creating opportunities for income generation and financial independence and fostering economic inclusion for traditionally underserved groups.

“Our partnership is more than just improving access to finance. It is about helping rural women build resilient livelihoods and fully participate in their local economy. By combining financial tools with training and community-based support, we are creating opportunities for women to grow their agribusinesses with confidence. We are committed to breaking barriers to inclusion and supporting stronger and more sustainable communities,” said Mukuru’s CSI Manager, Awonke Mbanga.

The project also serves as a model for sustainability, focusing on cash crops like sunflowers that improve families’ food security while also providing a viable commercial product.

This approach promotes community resilience, shifting from dependence towards self-sufficiency, and establishing sustainable, independent livelihoods in Guruve.

Over five years, W.I.F.E plans to establish profitable circular sunflower value chain groups in Guruve and improve capital access for 500 women in Chikomba and Zvimba.