Under the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP II), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye, is pleased to announce the upcoming “Yogurt Production Equipment and Fruit-Vegetable Drying Machine Distribution Ceremony.” This event, organized under the "Leaving No One Behind: Greater Involvement and Empowerment of Rural Women in Türkiye and Central Asia (GCP/SEC/018/TUR)" project, will take place on September 23-24, 2024, at the Kahramanmaraş Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. During the ceremony, yogurt production and fruit-vegetable drying equipment will be distributed to 31 rural women producers, as well as to the Mutlu Besin Agricultural Development Cooperative, which consists of 19 rural women members, who have been selected by the Gender Unit in Kahramanmaraş for their eligibility to receive both technical training and equipment. Those women beneficiaries, who will receive equipment support have been identified as the most in need and vulnerable among those who completed yogurt production and persimmon drying training in 2023. This support is provided in line with the project’s objectives, aiming to ensure that no one is left behind and to empower rural women.

The event will include sessions focused on addressing value-chain challenges in yogurt production and dried foods, particularly in the aftermath of the earthquake. These sessions will provide a platform for discussions on the specific problems faced by the women beneficiaries, while exploring potential solutions. FAO experts, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, local stakeholders, and the rural women beneficiaries will participate. The event aims to strengthen the capacities of rural women in agricultural entrepreneurship and business development by improving their involvement in value chains and enhancing their access to markets, knowledge, and skills.

Background

The project "Leaving No One Behind: Greater Involvement and Empowerment of Rural Women in Türkiye and Central Asia," financed by the Government of Türkiye, is being carried out in Türkiye, with concurrent activities in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Its primary goal is to alleviate rural poverty by facilitating access for rural communities and organizations to crucial resources, services, and markets. Additionally, the project emphasizes providing policy support, building capacities, and generating knowledge to foster gender equality and enhance the economic empowerment of rural women.