This document gives a brief summary of the research conducted into the situation of women workers in the African horticultural sector between 2005 and 2007. The research was conducted by local organisations in Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda and has been summarised by Women Working Worldwide. This document outlines the outstanding problems that have been found on some of the farms, although it is important to acknowledge that improvements have been made on some farms in the region as a result of work by international and national stakeholders.
The project ‘Promoting Women Workers’ Right in African Horticulture’ is a three year initiative designed to improve working conditions for women working in horticulture farms in East and Southern Africa using action research, training of workers and national and international advocacy. It commenced in January 2005. Women Working Worldwide has worked with four project partners on the implementation of this project: Kenya Women Workers Organisation (KEWWO), Tanzania Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (TPAWU), Workers Education Association of Zambia (WEAZ), Uganda Workers Education Association (UWEA).
This research has aimed to document:
– working conditions on flower and vegetable farms in partner countries
– the companies operating in international supply chains
– workers’ rights embodied in both company codes and national law
– the educational needs of workers.
Read (pdf)
Read also the WWW (Women working worldwide) bulletin, published in January 2008, which highlights the impact of our flower and vegetable project in Kenya, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. (8 p., pdf)