From February 18 to 21, 2025, the SAGCOT Centre joined a transformative Gender and Safeguarding Training in Arusha, organized by AGRA. This event brought together implementing partners (IPs) of the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) project in Tanzania, including GAIN, Wezesha, NYDT, ADP Mbozi, NAFAKA Kilimo, BRiTEN, SUGECO, and others. The YEFFA program, spearheaded by AGRA in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, seeks to empower over 1.5 million young Africans with the skills, resources, and market connections required to build fulfilling careers in agriculture.
The training focused on equipping YEFFA IPs with the tools and knowledge to integrate comprehensive safeguarding measures into their program activities. This ensures that youth and vulnerable adults participating in the initiative are protected from harm as they contribute to innovation and growth in the agricultural sector. Through dynamic workshops, engaging discussions, and real-world case studies, participants explored critical issues such as gender dynamics, safeguarding practices, and organizational accountability.
SAGCOT’s Commitment to Best Practices: As the lead partner for maize and rice consortia, the SAGCOT Centre remains steadfast in promoting gender equality and safeguarding. Brenda Ngatara, representing the SAGCOT Centre at the training, reflected on the importance of this initiative.
“I am proud to have participated in this vital training,” said Brenda. I pledge to ensure that all our agricultural programs uphold the highest standards of gender safeguarding. Our vision is to create an environment where everyone, particularly the youth and vulnerable groups, is respected, protected, and empowered to succeed.”
Since its inception, SAGCOT has actively promoted gender inclusion and safeguarding as essential to agricultural transformation. By prioritizing rights protection, preventing exploitation and discrimination, and fostering equal opportunities, SAGCOT ensures that all individuals, regardless of gender or social status, can contribute to and benefit from a more just, safe, and sustainable agricultural sector.
