After a robust assessment by an impartial jury which comprised of a member from each region, the International Association of Students in Agriculture and related Sciences (IAAS), announced the winners of the Women in Agriculture (WIA) and the Village Concept Project (VCP) contest for the year 2023, during an online pitching exhibition held on Thursday 15th of February 2023.
The exhibition was organised by IAAS to avail the applicants of this year’s project contest the opportunity to present their project ideas to members present. The event fostered the exchange of skills and ideas, hence re-echo the spirit of IAAS.
The WIA and the VCP was initiated by IAAS with the intention to enhance women participation and empowerment in agriculture, and also to impact local communities.
This year’s WIA and VCP contest attracted 28 applicants across the globe out of which 3 were awarded winners. The winners are as follows;
1. 1st price; Cassava Yogurt: IAAS Indonesia (LC UNS): This amazing project clearly makes the case to support cassava growers and promote a new product in the form of yogurt. The jury found the idea to be original and creative, and applauded the project’s intention to involve women at every part of the value chain from production to marketing.
2. 2nd price; Cooperative Mujer en Cafe IAAS Costa Rica: This project aims at breaking the traditional barrier between women and coffee production in Costa Rica by instalment of cooperative. The jury were convinced that this can change the status quo and shake the system of coffee production in Costa Rica.
3. 3rd price; Heliciculture: a hope to be flourished by IAAS Nepal (LC AFU): Nepal is a country where snails are produced in wetlands and involves women. However, women are now limited in their freedom to participate in farming. The project aims at skills development of women and impact with little financial input. This proposal was support by a survey data which delighted the jury.
IAAS would like to congratulate all applicants for their wonderful participation in this year’s WIA and VCP contest, and wish the winners good luck in implementing their projects. Sincere appreciation to the jury and our partners, East West Seed and Bayer, for their enormous contribution towards the success of this enormous exercise towards more inclusive food systems.
