Leveraging Agricultural Co-operatives for Women's Economic Empowerment Agricultural Innovation Systems

Abstract

This paper examines how agricultural cooperatives help smallholder women farmers in Rwanda overcome challenges to economic empowerment. Data was collected from 342 women in 14 cooperatives under the Food for the Hungry program in Eastern Rwanda between January and March 2024 and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), framed by Agricultural Innovation Systems Theory. Survey questionnaires were employed through a cross-sectional design. The study found that advancements in agricultural technology (6 = 0.697, p < 0.001), access to quality inputs (6 = 0.642, p < 0.001), and livestock ownership (6 = 0.610, p < 0.001) significantly improved agricultural outcomes, which enhanced women's economic empowerment (6 = 0.661, p < 0.001). Access to finance (6 = 0.680, p < 0.001) and entrepreneurship skills development (6 = 0.652, p < 0.001) also positively influenced income diversification, further boosting empowerment (6 = 0.613, p <0.001). However, market access negatively impacted empowerment (6 = -0.607, p = 0.001) through income diversification, indicating a need for further research. Overall, agricultural cooperatives play a crucial role in increasing economic resilience and empowering women by improving agricultural outcomes and access to essential resources. Recommendations include enhancing market infrastructure, supporting entrepreneurship, investing in advanced technologies, and promoting inclusive decision-making within cooperatives.