In April 2025, the Livestock Data for Decisions (LD4D) Gender & Livestock Data Community of Practice hosted a dynamic and insightful “Conversations” webinar, spotlighting a topic often overlooked in agriculture — gender and social inclusion in livestock development.
The guest speaker, Sofanit Mesfin, Regional Gender and Social Inclusion Coordinator at Ripple Effect, brought powerful insights from the frontlines of rural transformation in Africa.
Ripple Effect, a respected NGO working across six African countries, helps rural families unlock their potential through sustainable farming, livestock integration, enterprise development, and gender equity. But this webinar wasn’t just talk — it was a call to action.
Why Gender Matters in Livestock Farming
Sofanit delivered an eye-opening presentation that tackled head-on the hidden inequalities in livestock development and showed how farmers — especially women — can become catalysts for change when given the right tools and voice.
Key highlights included:
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Integrating Gender into Projects
Sofanit outlined smart strategies for embedding gender equality into project design and delivery. When women are equally involved from the start, the entire community thrives. -
Household Tools for Inclusion
Practical approaches like shared decision-making, household training, and even artificial insemination were explored as ways to close the gender gap and increase productivity. -
Collecting Gender Data That Matters
She stressed the importance of gathering accurate gender-specific data to guide future investments and shape policies that reflect the lived realities of both men and women.
Farming With Purpose and Power
Sofanit reminded us that livestock development is not just about animals — it’s about people. When rural women have equal access to knowledge, land, finance, and decision-making, the entire agricultural system becomes more resilient and sustainable.
Ripple Effect’s community-led approach shows what’s possible when development programmes are inclusive, practical, and built on local realities.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re passionate about:
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Empowering rural women
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Sustainable livestock farming
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Building more inclusive agricultural systems
…then Ripple Effect’s work will inspire you.
Find out more about their programmes in:
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Livestock Management
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Gender Equity
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Community Development
#GenderInAgriculture #WomenInLivestock #SustainableFarmingAfrica #RippleEffect #InclusiveDevelopment #RuralTransformation #LivestockData #AfricanAgriculture #EmpowerRuralWomen
