The event drew the participation of 135 delegates form eight provinces of Ha Giang, Yen Bai, Son La, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen and Lao Cai. Photo: SNV

Recently, the gap between policy making and implementation in agriculture sector has been gradually bridged. Gender mainstreaming in agriculture extension and agricultural value chain development has shown a certain number of positive effects. Experience on executing projects to promote women’s economic empowerment in Vietnam agriculture sector was shared by the representative of SNV and agriculture extension centers of numerous northern mountainous areas (Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh) at the conference.

The conference drew the participation of the provincial agriculture extension centers, the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, Department of Technology and Science, Farmers’ Union, Women’s Union, Cooperative Association and representatives of People’s Committee from districts of Lao Cai.

The strategies to adopt gender mainstreaming in Decree 83 on Agriculture Extension promulgated by the government were also analyzed and discussed by executives working in this field. In order to better integrate gender mainstreaming into agriculture extension, participants also agreed on an agenda and clarified the needs to make a detailed guideline, and promoted communications to change mindset and support women-led business models.

They exchanged experience in agricultural promotion activities as well as enhancing women’s roles in the community to promote gender equality and sustainable development. Photo: SNV

According to Hoang Thi The, deputy director of Quang Ninh province’s agriculture promotion centre, the locality has developed the “One Commune One Product (OCOP)” programme, contributing to restructuring the local economy. After four years of implementation, 128 agricultural cooperatives have been set up, producing nearly 300 products and services.

While in Hoa Binh province, various resources have been mobilised for agricultural promotion activities, helping rice productivity up 2.91 times and seafood aquaculture rising 9.52 times.

In Lao Cai province, nearly 100 agro-forestry production models have been developed in tandem with empowering rural women in agricultural activities.

Vice director of the province’s agriculture promotion centre Le Lan Huong said that the seasoning value chain programme has benefited more than 6,000 farmers in 66 communes, securing 15-20 percent rise in their income. Particularly, the tea value chain helps over 3,000 locals, more than 50 percent of whom are women, improve capacity in producing tea in line with VietGAP standard.

During 2019-2021, Lao Cai will set aside some 129 billion VND (5.56 million USD) for agriculture promotion programme, which is prioritised for rural women and ethnic people in specially difficult areas./.

VNF/VNA