Ama Akuamoah’s Post

Speaking at the Global Inclusive Finance Summit 2024, organized by ACCESS Development Services in #India, I participated in a technical session titled "Tailoring Financial Services to Promote Rural Women’s Climate Resilience: Insights from Africa and India." I shared my experiences working across both India and Africa with women who often wear the dual hats of smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs. In Africa, women smallholder farmers produce 70% of our food. However, they face numerous socio-cultural barriers that hinder their quest for financial and economic independence. The challenge of climate change exacerbates these issues across various dimensions, including health, livelihoods, and agency. During my presentation, I discussed the critical role of women’s groups, digital tools, and strategic partnerships in supporting climate resilience among women. I highlighted the power of technology, focusing on Opportunity International's work using AI-powered digital tools to support smallholder farmers. Specifically, I showcased our work in #Malawi with Ulangizi. Our human-centered approach is gender-intentional, ensuring that we develop our products with the client at the center of the process. Addressing the climate challenge and supporting women smallholder farmers in becoming resilient requires a systems approach. This approach must consider the various touchpoints women smallholders engage with throughout their formal financial journey. Non-financial services must be integrated into this journey, and strategic partnerships will be essential to this process. #women #economicempowerment #smallholderfarmers #finance #AI #technology #enterprise