Luanda: The Secretary of State for Family and Women's Promotion, Alcina Lopes da Cunha, highlighted on Thursday in Luanda the Eastern Region Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PDCVARL) as a tool that will help women achieve a more balanced social status, gain opportunities in agriculture, and access other resources in Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the official, speaking on the sidelines of the PDCVARL's official presentation, indicated that the project could also enable women in eastern Angola to access education and healthcare. Alcina Lopes da Cunha noted that women would become more empowered because, in addition to agribusiness financing, they would also receive training in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Institute for Agrarian Development (IDA), Felismino da Costa, stated that the project aims to build over a five-year period six agribusiness centers, nine agricultural markets, and warehouses in each of the provinces of Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Moxico, and Cuando Cubango. He noted that the PDCVARL will rehabilitate 400 kilometers of rural roads connecting agricultural markets, improve access to the Lobito Corridor, and develop irrigation infrastructure.
Felismino da Costa added that the project will also assist in training smallholder farmers and qualifying 621 extension workers to lead producer groups. The Eastern Region Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PDCVARL) is a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry program designed to benefit 240,000 households.
