UK: Royal Agricultural University to assist women farmers in Zimbabwe

By wiltsglosstandard.co.uk

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester has teamed up with the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) to create a one-year foundation certificate in horticulture and agriculture.

The partnership was officially launched when the RAU welcomed a delegation from the embassy of Zimbabwe in London, led by deputy ambassador Levi Upenyu Mukono.

Dr Patricia Mathabe, an RAU senior lecturer in agricultural technology, who comes from South Africa, said: “Women in sub-Saharan Africa play a very crucial role in both agriculture and horticulture, and their contributions form the backbone of food production and economic stability.”

She said that women’s involvement extends to various stages of agricultural production, from planting to selling, but their progress is often hindered by limited access to land, technology, and education.

The new collaboration aims to tackle these challenges and empower women through education, she said.

The Zimbabwean embassy has pledged its support for the programme, and the visit from the deputy ambassador marks a significant milestone since discussions first began.

RAU pro vice-chancellor, Professor David Main, said: “We have a long track record of welcoming Zimbabwean students to Cirencester and are delighted to now be working with partners in Zimbabwe to explore this ambitious plan to support women in agricultural and horticultural careers.

“Using a combination of online and in-person teaching, this initiative will enable us to offer a qualification for young women based in Harare.”

He added that the rapidly developing horticultural sector in Zimbabwe, which is actively exporting products to the UK market, will be in collaboration with the programme.

The aim is to focus on attributes valued by employers, such as a professional approach, technical skills, a sustainable mindset, and innovative thinking.

Professor Main said: “This programme will have a transformative effect on many lives.”

Alongside formal discussions, some of the RAU’s students and staff from Zimbabwe had the opportunity to meet the deputy ambassador and other members of the delegation.