Empowering Women Farmers: Land Rights and Sustainable Agriculture in Chad

Milla Nemoudji, a divorced woman from southern Chad, faced economic hardship due to traditional land ownership customs controlled by men. Joining a women's collective, she gained land access and economic independence. Despite the systemic challenges, such collectives are promoting gender equality and sustainable agriculture in Chad.

When Milla Nemoudji, a 28-year-old from southern Chad, divorced her abusive husband, she struggled to survive in a male-dominated community. Raised in a farming family with restricted land access for women, she faced significant obstacles.

Determined to attain economic independence, Nemoudji sold fruits and worked as a laborer. Her fortunes changed when a women's collective arrived in her village, granting her access to land for the first time. By farming cotton, peanuts, and sesame, she could finally meet her basic needs.

Initiatives like N-Bio Solutions, founded by Adèle Noudjilembaye, are crucial for challenging traditional norms and negotiating land access for women. These efforts not only promote gender equality but also support sustainable agriculture practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)