Monitoring Desk
KABUL: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday hosted a Women’s Agricultural Credit Shura in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, to raise awareness about agricultural credit.
One of the most difficult challenges for female farmers and women who operate agriculture-related businesses in Afghanistan is access to credit. In addition, many women often do not understand how credit can help grow their businesses, reads a statement from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“This is a critical program in giving women the financial means to provide for their families, as well as educational skills to understand how credit works and why it is crucial to their success,” said United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Peter Natiello. “We will continue to support women entrepreneurs in agriculture and provide them with tools to improve their lives.”
The event brought together a number of top microfinance institutions in Afghanistan and financial experts to share their experiences with the women.
About 80 participants learned about women’s economic rights, the types of credit available—traditional and Islamic—and how credit can help grow their businesses. They also discussed challenges women face in accessing credit. (Pajhwok)
