IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON WOMEN-OWNED ENTERPRISES AND RURAL WOMEN SUPPLIERS: “CASE STUDY OF MUHANGA FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY, AGASARO, COVAFGA & AKANOVERA”

Oxfam in Rwanda has been implementing projects in the following four Programme pillars: Gender Justice, Sustainable Livelihoods, Humanitarian Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Strengthening. Participatory Governance is currently mainstreamed in other program pillars. 

From its research for influencing agenda and expertise in supporting women’s economic leadership, Oxfam promoted women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Income Generating Activities. However, the practice in the field has demonstrated gender disparities, especially in the private sector and agribusiness. 

In this regard, this study was intended to provide information on some of the challenges faced by women-owned enterprises as well as women farmers suppliers in Rwanda due to COVID-19 and suggest recommendations on how to address them. 

The study covered women owned enterprises in Gakenke, Musanze, Muhanga and Nyamasheke. Its findings would enable evidence-based advocacy and influencing of other actors for effective mitigation of negative economic impacts of COVID-19 thereby promoting sustainable livelihoods during and after crises. 

Regarding the methodological approach, the survey involved both quantitative and qualitative data-collection processes. 

From the findings, women owned enterprises and women farmers faced the impact of COVID-19 on their daily activities as well as on the livelihoods of their households. The challenges are presented by the category of women namely women entrepreneurs and women rural farmers.