Empowering women in agricultural value chains for a low-carbon transition in Central America

 

El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, which form part of the Central American Dry Corridor, are located in one of the areas in the world most vulnerable to climate change. The ministries of agriculture in these countries have assigned priority to the development of the tomato and cocoa industries as these products are sold on domestic and regional markets and exported to North America and Europe. However, knowledge on carbon-emission implications and the position of women along the value chains is lacking.

This project proposes to empower women farmers in the cocoa and tomato value chains in a manner consistent with a low-carbon transition. It will estimate the carbon and water footprints of both crops and determine best agribusiness models and gender-equality implications to inform public and private stakeholders on a low-carbon transition strategy for both chains. It will also strengthen women’s carbon and business management skills, enabling them to lead these processes.

Results, data and lessons learned from the project will provide evidence for the establishment of a regional green women’s multi-stakeholder alliance, which will promote the adoption of a net-zero carbon strategy in agricultural value chains in the Central American region. This alliance will consist of producers, business associations, food retailers, exporters and logistical providers and will establish women as leaders in low-carbon transition.