Empowering women farmers in Ecuador: How Yara’s Women in Agronomy program supports their prosperity

In line with the company ambition to contribute to farmer diversity and prosperity, this initiative supported 42 female farmers in Ecuador, equipping them with essential skills in crop management, financial tools, and leadership to overcome systemic barriers and thrive in the agricultural sector. 

“Our goal wasn’t just about creating economic value; it was about making lasting changes that help rural women reach their full potential. When women succeed, communities grow stronger. Diversity drives our creativity and helps us meet agriculture’s challenges."

Jaime Vinces, Yara Ecuador’s Commercial Manager 

Pursuing a clear purpose

With only 27% of agricultural production units in Ecuador led by women and significant disparities in income, working hours, and access to resources, Mujeres en Agricultura represents an important step in addressing these challenges. 

The program welcomed 42 women aged 18 to 80 from the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Tungurahua - growers of cocoa, fruits, and vegetables on small plots of up to five hectares. 

During the four-month program, participants gained skills to strengthen their agricultural practices and business resilience, with each module focused on vital areas:

1. Crop Management: Emphasizing regenerative practices to improve soil health and yields.
2. Financial Tools: Offering budgeting and time management skills for better resource allocation. 
3. Empowerment and Motivation: Building confidence and leadership abilities to foster self-reliance.

A powerful impact

The impact of Mujeres en Agricultura has been profound and far-reaching. In a post-program survey, 76% of participants reported actively applying their new knowledge of crop and soil management, making real changes in their fields. 

The program also emphasized the importance of adopting regenerative approaches in agriculture, as a response to the adverse effects of climate change. An impressive 95% of the women recognized the potential of regenerative practices for healthier soils and increased yields.  

Beyond technical skills, 95% felt empowered by new time management tools, and nearly 80% gained confidence in budgeting. Additionally, every participant felt more secure due to the network of women farmers formed, with 63% establishing lasting connections for ongoing support. 

This initiative creates significant business opportunities, strengthening commercial relationships and solidifying Yara’s position as a leading provider of solutions in vital food-producing regions. 

“Through this initiative, Yara hopes to empower these women while inspiring others and paving the way for more inclusive opportunities in agriculture”, said Carolina Hernandez, WiA Program Manager. 

Collaboration for change

The program’s success was truly a collective effort. Yara Ecuador collaborated with the Technical University of Ambato, FarmAgro, Nestle, ADAMA, Banco Pichincha, and others to ensure the modules were comprehensive, relevant, and impactful for each participant. The local HESQ team from Yara also played a key role, ensuring the program ran safely and without incidents. 

Empowering farmers, strengthening communities 

Mujeres en Agricultura aligns seamlessly with Yara’s global strategy of advancing farmer prosperity and resilience through diversity and empowerment.  

“Programs like this go beyond just training—they build resilient communities and create opportunities where they’re needed most,” said Rejane Souza, leader of the Women in Agronomy program. “When we empower farmers, we unlock potential not only in the field but also in the community, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience for years to come.” 

Through initiatives like Mujeres en Agricultura, Yara reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a more inclusive, sustainable future for all farmers, helping them realize their full potential and paving the way for lasting positive impact in agriculture.