Institute for Sustainable Development - ISD

Strengthening Women’s Rights to Participate and Benefit Equally from Agricultural Practices
The Rural Women Cultivating Change (RWCC) Project of the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) recently conducted a stakeholder meeting, bringing together representatives from various bureaus, as well as Habru and Gubalafto districts and North Wollo Zone offices. The discussion focused on strengthening women’s rights to participate and benefit equally from agricultural practices and farmland, as recognized by law. Participants included representatives from district agriculture offices, law and justice sectors, and women and youth affairs offices. Women are actively engaged in agricultural activities, from watershed management to intensive farming. While legal frameworks support their rights to land use and participation, gaps remain in translating these laws into practice at the grassroots level. Cultural norms, limited legal awareness, and challenges in accessing information continue to hinder women from fully understanding and exercising their rights. To address these challenges, stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger, coordinated awareness-raising efforts to ensure women’s rights are protected and realized in practice. Encouraging progress has been seen in women increasingly asserting their rights within their communities and households. However, sustained collaboration is essential to close existing gaps and further empower rural women.

Farmers and Stakeholders Discuss Agroecology Solutions in Gerba Kebele
Farmers, community representatives, and local stakeholders gathered in Gerba Kebele, Kalu Wereda (South Wollo Zone) for a consultative meeting under the African Biodiversity Network (ABN) Project implemented by ISD.
The meeting aimed to create a common understanding among farmers and stakeholders about local agricultural challenges and to collectively explore solutions through agroecology practices. One of the key issues raised by farmers was, water scarcity affecting agricultural production and livelihoods.
Through open dialogue and knowledge sharing, participants reflected on local experiences and discussed practical agroecological approaches such as soil and water conservation, biodiversity-based farming practices, and sustainable land management.
ISD in collaboration of the African Biodiversity Network (ABN) works to strengthen agrobiodiversity, promote agroecology, and support farmer-led solutions that build resilient and sustainable food systems. Meetings like this help ensure that local voices, knowledge, and priorities guide the path toward sustainable agriculture.