Embedded Files
EMPOWER-Me: Empowering women farmers through precision agriculture and markets E-Linkages
Where does it take place?
Where does it take place?
The project is being carried out in the districts of Mchinji and Mzimba, in Malawi.
What is the focus of EMPOWER-Me?
What is the focus of EMPOWER-Me?
EMPOWER-Me focuses on women's access to and use of agricultural technologies, as well as the influence of cultural norms on women's empowerment in agriculture.
What SDG do we address?
What SDG do we address?
We aim to address the 14-23% gender productivity gap in Malawi's agricultural sector by promoting SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
When did it start?
When did it start?
EMPOWER-Me started in late 2025, thanks to Research Ireland/Irish Aid's Future Innovator Prize Program
What is Digital Agriculture Technology (DAT)?
Precision agriculture tools
Technologies including GPS-guided equipment, satellite imagery, and remote sensing that enable farmers to monitor crop health, optimize input use (fertilizers, water, pesticides), and increase yields while reducing costs and environmental impact
Technologies including GPS-guided equipment, satellite imagery, and remote sensing that enable farmers to monitor crop health, optimize input use (fertilizers, water, pesticides), and increase yields while reducing costs and environmental impact
Knowledge sharing and extension services
Digital platforms that deliver agricultural training, expert advice, and peer-to-peer learning through videos, SMS, chatbots, and online forums, democratizing access to agricultural knowledge previously limited by geography or extension agent availability
Digital platforms that deliver agricultural training, expert advice, and peer-to-peer learning through videos, SMS, chatbots, and online forums, democratizing access to agricultural knowledge previously limited by geography or extension agent availability
Market access and price information platforms
Digital tools that connect farmers directly to buyers, provide real-time market prices, facilitate mobile payments, and reduce reliance on intermediaries, strengthening farmers' bargaining power and income
Digital tools that connect farmers directly to buyers, provide real-time market prices, facilitate mobile payments, and reduce reliance on intermediaries, strengthening farmers' bargaining power and income
Participatory design with a gender perspective
Co-designing digital tools with women farmers
Research teams collaborate directly with participants throughout the technology development process, from initial needs assessment to prototype testing and refinement, ensuring that digital advisory systems reflect farmers' actual information needs, daily workflows, and technological constraints rather than researcher assumptions
Research teams collaborate directly with participants throughout the technology development process, from initial needs assessment to prototype testing and refinement, ensuring that digital advisory systems reflect farmers' actual information needs, daily workflows, and technological constraints rather than researcher assumptions
Evidence-based impact and continuous learning
Rigorous monitoring and evaluation tracks changes in women's agricultural decision-making power, livelihood outcomes, and technology adoption patterns, with findings shared openly through publications, policy briefs, and community feedback sessions to inform ongoing adaptation and contribute to broader knowledge on gender-inclusive digital agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
Rigorous monitoring and evaluation tracks changes in women's agricultural decision-making power, livelihood outcomes, and technology adoption patterns, with findings shared openly through publications, policy briefs, and community feedback sessions to inform ongoing adaptation and contribute to broader knowledge on gender-inclusive digital agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
Challenging gender norms in agricultural decision-making
EMPOWER-ME works with households and communities to address barriers that limit women's participation in agricultural planning, resource allocation, and technology adoption, fostering dialogue that strengthens women's voice in decisions about crops, inputs, and farm income
EMPOWER-ME works with households and communities to address barriers that limit women's participation in agricultural planning, resource allocation, and technology adoption, fostering dialogue that strengthens women's voice in decisions about crops, inputs, and farm income
Get to know more about out projectUCD Centre for Sustainable Development
Google Sites
Report abuse