WFF Côte d’Ivoire Youth Chapter strengthens financial literacy among rural women

On 8 August 2026, the World Food Forum (WFF) Côte d’Ivoire Youth Chapter organized a financial literacy training for rural women at the Institute for Training in Agricultural and Rural Entrepreneurship (IFERA) in Yamoussoukro, in collaboration with institutional partners, including the country's Ministry of Women, Family and Children. Held in the context of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the initiative focused on strengthening rural women's capacity to manage financial resources, save and invest, while supporting their participation in more resilient and inclusive rural economies.

The training also reflected collaboration between the Chapter, agricultural training institutions and national partners. Representatives from IFERA, the Platform of Family Farming Schools of Côte d’Ivoire and the Ministry of Women, Family and Children participated in the opening session, highlighting the importance of partnerships in supporting women's economic empowerment.

The training brought together 38 women leaders and members of agricultural cooperatives representing more than 3 000 members, under the theme “Women’s financial empowerment: from household budget management to savings and sustainable investment.” By engaging cooperative leaders with strong links to their communities, the initiative created opportunities for participants to share the knowledge and practices gained with other cooperative members, extending its potential reach beyond direct participants.

The programme consisted of six practical workshops, participants adopted concrete resolutions, including strengthening household budgeting practices, establishing regular and secure savings plans, identifying suitable local investment opportunities and monitoring investment profitability. The Chapter plans to support follow-up on these commitments as part of its continued work with rural women.

The training also encouraged participants to view their livelihood activities as agricultural micro-enterprises with potential sustainable growth. By strengthening financial literacy and decision-making, the initiative contributed to broader goals of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, while highlighting the role of rural women in strengthening local economies and agrifood systems. Through capacity building and locally led action, the Chapter is creating opportunities for rural women to strengthen their financial knowledge, expand their economic opportunities and contribute to more inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.