AFAP Champions Women in Agriculture with the Hub Agrodealer Yearly Awards at AGRF, Tanzania

TANZANIA – The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. At the recent AGRF Summit held in Tanzania, the organization spotlighted and celebrated the essential role of Hub agrodealers through its Hub Agrodealer Yearly Awards.

Hub agrodealers serve as a lifeline for smallholder farmers and rural agrodealers by aggregating and distributing vital agricultural inputs. This function is pivotal in ensuring that farmers, especially those in remote areas, have access to the tools and resources they need to enhance their productivity and, by extension, their livelihoods.

Hassan Kato Kwittegera, the owner of KAMM Farmer Services in Uganda, emerged as a beacon of dedication and innovation at the Inaugural African Hub Agro-dealer of the Year Award (HAYA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Recognized for his unparalleled commitment to uplifting the agricultural sector, Kwittegera’s contributions stretch far beyond tilled fields and harvested crops. His drive has not only propelled his organization to new heights but has also paved the way for enhanced food security and community development within the African agricultural landscape. A symbol of hard work and persistence, Hassan’s award is a testament to the transformative power of passion in agriculture.

Yet, one particular award at this event stole the limelight – The Cecilia Khupe award. Initiated by AFAP’s CEO, Michael Sudarkasa, this award is designed to acknowledge and champion Women Hub Agrodealers. This accolade is not just a testament to the resilience and hard work of these women but also shines a light on the financial barriers they face. Often, the capital required to establish oneself as a hub can be daunting, more so for women.

Acknowledging this disparity, AFAP has been proactive in bridging the gap. By offering credit guarantees for bulky and high-cost fertilizers, the organization has facilitated a pathway for these enterprising women to flourish in the agrodealer space. This initiative is not only a boon for women in agriculture but also a significant stride towards gender equity in the agribusiness sector.

Inaugural Hub Agro-Dealer of the Year Awards 2023
The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) invited participants to the Inaugural Hub Agro-Dealer of the Year Awards 2023 held on Wednesday, 6 September 2023 at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The HAYA Awards event aims to inspire and celebrate Hub agro-dealers across Africa in several areas such as smallholder farmer outreach and gender equality retail agro-dealer networks, inclusion performance in business, professionalism, and capital expenditure.