EAST LONDON – The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) in partnership with the Mpembelelo Macfarlane Xotyeni Foundation(MMX) and Graca Machel Trust(GMT), recently hosted Women in Agric Market Access Dialogue for women in agriculture at the East London International Development Zone (ELIDZ) on 28th August 2025.
The event celebrated the successes of women in agriculture while sparking critical discussions on barriers such as limited market access, inadequate funding and lack of information sharing.
ECRDA Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Simphiwe Somdyala emphasized the importance of information sharing, stating, “The first priority is information sharing because too often farmers struggle to know where opportunities exist. Beyond that, funding remains a central issue.” Somdyala noted that the partnership has signed an agreement to move forward with implementation, taking ‘baby steps’ to ensure women farmers have access to markets and financial support.
In addition GMT’s Director of pograms Shiphra Chisha, highlighted the importance of empowering women in agriculture through proven strategies that strengthen their businesses and unlock growth opportunities. Chisha emphasized the role of networks like African women in business which enable women to trade, collaborate and scale their enterprises. She added that for women-led agricultural businesses to thrive, resilience is essential and farmers need to acquire the right skills, adopt modern technologies and meet export requirements.
Furthermore MMX founder Babalwa Hopa, motivated by a passion for small-holder farmers, recognized a critical gap in market access. Hopa emphasized that the rural economy must drive the Eastern Cape’s economy, stating, “We cannot talk about growth and leave rural women behind. Agriculture is the sector that must drive this transformation.”
The women in agriculture market access dialogue concluded with a strong sense of optimism and shared commitment, reaffirming support for women’s active participation in the agricultural sector. Through strengthened collaboration, enhanced access to funding and structured market opportunities. The initiative aims to empower rural women farmers, unlocking their full potential and positioning them as key contributors to the Eastern Cape’s economic growth and prosperity.
Photograph: supplied
