Paraguay - In Paraguay's agricultural sector, women make significant contributions but face challenges in accessing equal opportunities and resources. The "Mujer con Valor" (Woman with Value) program aims to address these issues by providing training in financial management and business governance. A collaboration between Agrofértil and IFC includes a $20 million loan to strengthen support for small and medium-sized farmers, with a focus on pre-harvest financing and sustainable agricultural practices.

A Day Begins in Puente Kyjhá

In Puente Kyjhá, a rural community in Paraguay's Canindeyú region, Lucilia Bottini starts her day at 5:00 AM. She grabs her car keys and heads to her family's soybean fields, where she oversees the farm and the work of its laborers.

While it might seem like a demanding task to many, for Lucilia, it's a symbol of self-determination. She is one of the participants in the "Mujer con Valor" program, implemented by Agrofértil, a leading agricultural company in Paraguay, with support from IFC. As part of this program, she and over 100 other women farmers connected to Agrofértil's supply chain have received training in technical and financial management, as well as preparation in family business governance and succession planning—crucial elements for the long-term success of women-led agricultural enterprises.

Across Paraguay, women play a vital role in the agricultural sector, contributing to the country's thriving agriculture. However, they still face challenges in accessing equal opportunities and resources that would ensure the sector's fair growth.

"Every day, women are more involved in decision-making and proactive initiatives, such as purchasing machinery and supplies. All of this is thanks to the joint effort with my family, which serves as an example for the next generation that agriculture is a space of opportunity for everyone," said Bottini. "'Mujer con Valor' has provided us with the necessary tools through Agrofértil to strengthen our role in agriculture."

IFC and Agrofértil Partnership

The partnership between IFC and Agrofértil includes a $20 million loan disbursed in 2021, which helps the company expand its financial and technical support to small and medium-sized farmers. Notably, 71% of these farmers operate on less than 500 hectares, highlighting the importance of empowering small-scale producers. The initiative aims to help farmers secure pre-harvest financing, adopt sustainable agricultural practices, and recover from the economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

"Lucilia Bottini is a prime example of the positive impact of creating an inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector in Paraguay," said Verónica Navas, IFC's Upstream and Advisory Manager for Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services in Latin America and Europe. "Our partnership with Agrofértil not only provides financial support to farmers but also promotes gender equality in leadership roles for women within the industry. This initiative is crucial for fostering long-term economic growth and ensuring that no one is left behind, especially considering the 75% increase in women's participation in the agricultural sector since 2008."

IFC's Strategy for Paraguay's Economic Recovery and Diversification

IFC's broader strategy in Paraguay aims to strengthen the country's competitiveness by providing financial support and advisory services to key economic sectors. This strategy is based on three main pillars: improving physical and digital connectivity to promote export-led growth; managing natural resources to integrate into global value chains in a sustainable manner; and increasing access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to foster job creation. Within this framework, IFC's investments in the agricultural sector are essential for Paraguay's economic recovery and diversification, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agrofértil's Commitment to Gender Equality: EDGE Certification

Another significant milestone in Agrofértil's efforts to provide equal opportunities for women is the EDGE gender certification obtained in 2022—the first of its kind in Paraguay. EDGE is a globally recognized assessment and certification methodology for gender equality in the workplace. To achieve this certification, Agrofértil underwent a rigorous evaluation and external audit, reviewing aspects such as corporate culture, internal policies, and business practices to ensure equal opportunities.

This certification process was supported by IFC, whose expertise helped Agrofértil develop a comprehensive action plan aligned with its long-term business objectives to enhance talent development, increase employee engagement, and improve productivity. The EDGE certification reflects Agrofértil's commitment to fostering an equitable work environment that strengthens women's leadership and promotes equal opportunities.

"For over 31 years, Agrofértil has been building a sustainable business strategy through policies that ensure the comprehensive development of our employees. With this certification, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting the professional growth of both men and women as a fundamental principle of our company," said José Marcos Sarabia, CEO of Grupo Sarabia and President of Agrofértil. "We want our company's workforce to reflect the equity of the national agricultural sector and be in synergy with the corporate values and philosophy of Grupo Sarabia."

The strategic partnership with Agrofértil highlights the transformative role of women in the workplace and in the agricultural sector. Given that 55% of rural women in Paraguay are engaged in agricultural or livestock activities, empowering women to take on leadership roles, manage family businesses, and access crucial tools and resources helps bridge the gap in access to credit and technical assistance.

Considering agriculture's significant role in rural women's employment, increased participation of women is essential for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable sector as Paraguay advances its economic recovery and diversification. By addressing these barriers, we aim to unlock the full potential of women in agriculture, contributing to the country's long-term growth and resilience.

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