Promoting green business for women in agriculture in two northern mountainous provinces

Event scene. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

With women in green agricultural production and business

On November 7, in Cao Bang, the Department of Science and Technology of Cao Bang province, in coordination with CARE International in Vietnam and MEVI SIB Joint Stock Company, launched the project "Promoting green business models for women for sustainable Vietnamese agriculture" (We4Ag project).

The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and will be implemented in Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang provinces from now until February 2028.

Representatives of Cao Bang Department of Science and Technology and CARE signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

The We4Ag project aims to enhance the capacity and create conditions for women in agricultural production and business to develop in a green, sustainable and digital direction. In Cao Bang and Tuyen Quang, the project will focus on the following three main groups of activities.

Firstly, enhancing sustainable agricultural production capacity for 10,000 women through direct and online training on green, circular, organic and emission-reducing agricultural production methods, of which 1,500 received MEVI certification.

Second, improve processing knowledge for 4,000 women through direct and online classes, contributing to reducing waste in production and processing, while increasing the value of agricultural products.

Third, expand market access opportunities for 1,000 women through supporting the construction of online booths and connecting women with agricultural product distribution channels, both inside and outside the province.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, Director of MEVI SIB Joint Stock Company - the project implementation unit, shared: “We believe that digital technology is not only a tool but also the key for rural women to access knowledge, innovate products and connect to markets. Within the framework of the We4Ag project, MEVI will coordinate to develop user-friendly online training platforms, organize digital transformation workshops and support women to build online sales systems - contributing to building a green, modern and women-led agricultural ecosystem.”

Mr. Nong Thanh Than, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Cao Bang province, said, “Promoting green business models for women - For sustainable Vietnamese agriculture (WE4Ag)” is a typical international cooperation model in applying science, technology and digital transformation to enhance the role of women in the green agricultural value chain. The project not only provides financial and technical resources, but also opens up new development directions, creating a knowledge and technology foundation for Cao Bang women to master green production and business models, contributing to reducing emissions, protecting the environment, developing household economies and building sustainable, environmentally friendly agriculture.

Accompanying to overcome challenges

Ms. Vuong Thai Nga, Program Director, representative of CARE International in Vietnam, shared: “The We4Ag project is the next step in our efforts to accompany rural women, helping them become the pioneers in the green agricultural transition in Vietnam. We believe that enhancing the economic position of women is one of the core solutions to build sustainable and climate-resilient communities.”

The We4Ag project is implemented by CARE International in Vietnam from 2025 to 2028, with funding from the European Union. The program cooperates with local partners such as MEVI SIB, the Department of Science and Technology of Cao Bang province, the Women's Union of Tuyen Quang province and the authorities of the project communes.

In the northern mountainous provinces of Ha Giang (formerly), Tuyen Quang (now), and Cao Bang, agriculture remains the main livelihood for the majority of people, especially ethnic minority women. However, agricultural production in this region is facing many challenges.

First of all, production techniques are limited and small-scale. Most households still practice traditional farming methods, relying heavily on personal experience and lacking access to new knowledge about sustainable, organic or circular farming. The uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is degrading soil quality and negatively affecting human health.

Along with this is the situation of climate change and resource degradation. Increasingly erratic weather, flash floods, droughts and soil erosion have reduced agricultural productivity. Land ecosystems are damaged by unsustainable exploitation, while people lack adaptive skills.

In addition, there is a lack of market access and technology application. Although women are the main labor force in production, they often face barriers in accessing market information, stable distribution channels and digital platforms. Many local agricultural products have potential but lack appropriate processing or branding.

Barriers to women and their role in agriculture remain. Women are often seen as caregivers and are rarely recognized or involved in decisions regarding production and consumption. They also face significant barriers to accessing capital, technical training and leadership opportunities in their communities.

NGAN ANH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thuc-day-kinh-doanh-xanh-cho-phu-nu-trong-nong-nghiep-o-2-tinh-mien-nui-phia-bac-post921389.html