2024-09-23-亚开行-增强增长能力_支持萨摩亚妇女在农业综合企业中发挥领导作用（英）_8页_334kb

Empowering Women in Samoa's Agribusiness Through ADB Support

Key Constraints

• Unfair land rights and limited access to credit hinder women's participation.
• Prevailing gender stereotypes and social norms restrict women's economic leadership.
• During COVID-19, women faced disproportionate job losses and income reductions.

Project Overview

• The Samoa Agribusiness Support (SABS) project, funded by ADB and Australia, provided financial aid and business development to women-owned-and-led agribusinesses.
• Objectives: Improved access to finance, business capacity building, and project management.

COVID-19 Impact

• Pandemic disrupted livelihoods, with women bearing heavier economic impacts.
• Many agribusinesses downsized due to market closures and supply chain issues, yet some adapted.

Project Effects

• Directly supported 34 women-led businesses, with 60% accessing aid.
• Enhanced business growth, increased employment for women (up 44%), and improved market resilience.
• Strengthened cooperation with banks and local networks, promoting gender-aware finance.

Looking Forward

• Priorities include mechanization support, business expansion, flexible lending, and addressing gender-specific needs.
• Lessons highlight the need for ongoing investment in tailored support and policy reforms to empower women in agribusiness.