Nambiro Fatuma is a single mother of 4 kids that fully depend on her. She, on the other hand, depends on her income that comes from a family farm owned by her father. “I produce bananas, maize, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, mangoes and avocados…” she says. “I once thought about starting a poultry enterprise but due to lack of skills and knowledge and also lack of initial capital, I was withdrawn from this and remained active only in agriculture.”

How easy it is for a woman being a farmer in Uganda?

“In order to achieve being a farmer here in Uganda -and in many other developing countries- a woman must be in good relationship with her husband. This may sound a bit strange to you, but it is the first thing that came on my mind considering what I have been through all these years. Secondly, I must say that it is essential acquiring innovations and knowledge regarding farming and agriculture. These, can be achieved by the help of NGOs and Government agencies which are targeting women and striving for woman empowerment. Moreover, deep inside her she must believe that she can farm like a man. Last but not least, I believe that capacity building for women in farming sector could also help a lot.”

But that’s not just it. All of the above is just a small part of the reality that holds women back from being as capable farmers as men. Because, you know what? They are as capable as men. That is something on which no one can argue. But, given the circumstances, the truth is that inequality rules.