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The armed conflict has severely impacted Ukraine, causing $155 billion in infrastructure damage and increasing the poverty rate to 24.1%. In 2023, the economy began to recover thanks to international support, with GDP rising to $189 billion and unemployment falling to 19.1%.
The agricultural sector continues to struggle with unexploded remnants of war and labor shortages, affecting production and exports. Additionally, climate change poses further challenges. The labor shortage is largely due to the enlistment of men in the armed forces, giving women an increasingly vital economic role in society.
In this difficult context, small farms have proven to be more resilient, contributing to local food supply and employment. The trend is shifting toward self-sufficiency and value creation in domestic markets. The project supports these initiatives, specifically empowering women who are already working in agriculture or seeking to enter the sector.
With this four-year project, Swisscontact strengthens the Ukrainian agricultural sector by supporting predominantly women in small-scale farming, as their social and economic role has grown due to the involvement of many men in the conflict.
The project empowers women and other disadvantaged groups, such as internally displaced persons, by helping them organize into interest groups, gain access to essential resources such as training and production materials, establish business relationships with larger processing companies, and secure financial support to expand their businesses.
The goal is to enable these agricultural entrepreneurs to build sustainable and successful businesses in the long term. The project also integrates environmental sustainability criteria to address climate change challenges.
This support allows participants to provide for their families, contribute to local economic growth, and enhance food security in Ukraine.
Empowering Small-Scale Producers
The project helps female farmers organize into groups or cooperatives to improve storage and marketing. They gain access to materials, tools, training, financing, and legal support. Additionally, savings groups and service hubs offering product testing and soil analysis are being piloted.
Training for Sustainable Agriculture
Swisscontact provides technical and business training for livestock and vegetable producers. Topics include water management, energy efficiency, animal health, pest control, business planning, and marketing. Sustainable and climate-friendly practices are integrated into all training activities.
New Business Models and Market Opportunities
The project fosters collaboration between small producers and processing companies, facilitates market access, and develops new business models. Environmentally friendly technologies such as solar energy, composting, and organic fertilizers are promoted to increase efficiency and profitability.
Improved Access to Finance
Small-scale producers receive access to microgrants, leasing, and insurance models. Financial institutions are involved in developing tailored financial products. Large processing companies can act as guarantors to improve creditworthiness. Financial training helps producers make the most of available funding opportunities.
This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.