PRESS RELEASE: Empowering Women in Agriculture (EWA) Project Concludes with Field Visit Showcasing Achievements in Malawi
BLANTYRE & MWANZA, MALAWI, 8th APRIL 2026- The Empowering Women in Agriculture (EWA) Project, implemented by Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) in partnership with the OCP Foundation, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Gender, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Nandolo Farmers Association of Malawi (NFAM), will conclude with a Closure Field Visit from 7–12 April 2026. The visit will convene an international delegation, government representatives, and key stakeholders to review progress, engage with beneficiary communities, and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling impact. Key impacts of the project include: a 35% increase in pigeon pea yields, a 154% rise in women’s incomes, a 371% increase in processed product volumes, expanded adoption of certified seeds (from 31.5% to 71%), and significant investments in irrigation systems, mechanization, and cooperative strengthening.
Over the past three years, the project has supported over 400 women and youth in Malawi’s pigeon pea value chain, contributing to improved productivity, increased incomes, enhanced food and nutrition security, and strengthened institutional capacity of women’s cooperatives. Through targeted training, provision of farm mechanization equipment, irrigation systems, and digitalization tools, the initiative has facilitated a transition from subsistence farming to more market-oriented agriculture. The Closure Field Visit will feature key activities including the inauguration of irrigation schemes in Mathithi and Mkungudza, symbolic tree planting ceremonies, waste management campaigns in schools, and the handover of digital and environmental management equipment to beneficiary communities.
A Collaborative Approach to Women’s Empowerment lies at the heart of the EWA Project. The initiative demonstrates the transformative potential of strategic partnerships between international organizations, government institutions, and local communities. By investing in women farmers and strengthening agricultural value chains, the project has contributed to inclusive agricultural growth, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development in Malawi. As stakeholders convene during this closure phase, the focus will be on consolidating gains, strengthening partnerships, and advancing a shared vision for scaling impact and empowering women as key drivers of agricultural transformation.
ABOUT OCP FOUNDATION:
OCP Foundation was established to support and expand the social and societal impact of OCP Group in Morocco and beyond. Serving as a catalyst for sustainable human development, the Foundation adopts a "servant leadership" model to strengthen the autonomy and resilience of its stakeholders. Committed to ensuring access to excellence and knowledge for all, while also addressing innovation and development in crucial areas such as Food Security, Climate Change, Entrepreneurship and Research & Development, OCP Foundation initiates groundbreaking projects and champions innovative approaches in close collaboration with national and international organizations. These efforts are aimed at igniting and sustaining the creation of shared value. By focusing on co-identifying needs, co-constructing solutions, and empowering beneficiaries, the Foundation has developed a replicable and cross-cutting method for social transformation and innovation.
Beyond its own initiatives, the OCP Foundation takes immense pride in nurturing OCP's knowledge ecosystem, providing support to the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and the Lycées d'Excellence in Benguerir and Rabat.
For a deeper insight, please visit: www.ocpfoundation.org
ABOUT EMPOWERING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE INTIATIVE “EWA’’:
The EWA Initiative, coordinated by Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), was officially launched under the high patronage of H.E President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on the sidelines of the 19th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 15th July 2012. The initiative targets 11 countries in Africa including Malawi, and aims to empower women in African agriculture for viable livelihood and food security as well as to become active economic agents in Africa’s agricultural transformation and sustainable development.
EWA stands as the African Women Leaders Network's (AWLN) transformative flagship project. With its ecosystem, EWA reinforces the capacities of women’s Farmer organizations’ and cooperatives; promotes women’s access to land, finance, mechanization and niche markets; enhances the participation of young women in African agriculture; facilitates the uptake and upscaling of technological innovations in agriculture; forges strategic partnerships with governments, development partners and private sector actors; and promotes sharing of best practices across Africa.
For more information, please visit: www.fasngo.org
For more details, please contact:
Grace Sauti-Phiri
Project Manager / Trip Coordinator – EWA Malawi
Email: phirigracesauti@gmail.com
Tel: +265 885 820 157 / +265 988 919 029
