Agri-business was identified as a focus area for its broad value chain, which offers women multiple entry points, from cultivation and product development to processing, marketing and related services. The programme will help participants identify opportunities best suited to their interests and capabilities and turn them into viable, scalable businesses and sustainable sources of income.

The programme forms part of livelihoods, one of NAMA’s four pillars of empowerment, and aligns with the objectives of the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 by promoting sustainable local food production and expanding women’s participation in agricultural activities and businesses.

Empowering women to build their own economic opportunities

Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement, said: “At NAMA, we see empowerment as equipping women with the knowledge, skills and tools to turn what they learn into income or into a business they can build and grow. The Agri-Business Programme puts this approach into practice, helping women identify suitable opportunities and take informed steps towards building viable businesses.”

She added: “Agriculture offers opportunities across production, product development, processing, marketing, distribution and related services, with new possibilities emerging as technology and production methods advance. We aim to equip women to identify opportunities suited to their capabilities and to develop them into productive activities that strengthen their income and broaden their future options.”

Agricultural investment and production opportunities

Kalba, Sharjah city, Al Dhaid and Al Hamriyah will each host one of the four workshops, with approximately 50 participants expected at each location. Open to women aged 18 and above with an interest in agriculture, the workshops will combine theoretical sessions with hands-on training in agriculture and gardening, introduce participants to investment and production opportunities in the sector, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and demonstrate how a simple idea can develop into a productive activity or a viable business opportunity.

A progressive pathway towards specialisation

Following the introductory workshops, the programme will offer specialised training for different groups of women, with separate registration for each level.

Level One: Basic Agri-Business will run for 11 days in Kalba in October, covering foundational knowledge and skills in sustainable agribusiness. Participants will also gain hands-on gardening skills, including home and urban gardening, soil preparation, seed selection, irrigation, pest management, composting, harvesting, post-harvest handling, food safety, and the development of value-added agricultural products.

Graduates of Level One who meet the eligibility requirements can progress to Level Two: Hydroponics, a nine-day programme in Al Dhaid in November. It will cover soilless cultivation systems, crop and nutrient solution management, greenhouse operations, and sustainable production techniques, equipping participants with specialised skills to develop businesses in the sector.