Empowering Rural Women Through Targeted Advisory Services

Abstract

Women in rural areas are key drivers of innovation and sustainability, yet their needs remain underserved in existing advisory system. This policy brief calls for a dedicated regional advisory network, with specialised advisors trained to support women. It also recommends broadening the scope of services to include support for diverse business models – not only those within traditional supplementary on-farm activities, but also emerging, socially oriented, sustainable and community-based ventures where women are often at the forefront. Advisory programs should adopt flexible and inclusive formats, that reflect women’s needs and realities. Finally, women’s representation in professional networks must be strengthened.