This Christmas, we bring you the inspiring tale of how these women turned their dreams into reality—not just through cocoa farming but by venturing into other income-generating food crops. Their story is one of resilience, innovation, and intergenerational collaboration, where seasoned leaders like Agnes, Berthe, Elisabeth, and Therese mentor young women the "New generation Ladies" to see farming not as a burden, but as a future filled with promise and prosperity. Film "Cacao et Chocolat"
In the heart of IHUND, a small village with a big story, a quiet revolution began in 2020. Thirty-four women, led by the determined and visionary Agnes "Nyango" Maledy, came together to challenge the status quo. They founded Femme Rural, a cooperative that dared to pioneer in the male-dominated world of cocoa farming. But their journey didn’t stop there.
Supported by LadyAgri, Femme Rural receives tailored mentoring and coaching to build their capacity, along with a financial guarantee that has opened the doors to credit and financial services. This support has been a gamechanger, allowing the cooperative to secure resources, invest in their operations, and grow their collective impact.
From a founding group of 34, the cooperative now boasts 82 members. They’ve achieved milestones once thought impossible: opening a bank account in the cooperative’s name, securing land ownership, and building a collective spirit that has transformed their lives.
In this episode, you’ll meet women like Béatrice and Agathe, whose journey embodies the cooperative's spirit. Once a shy, introverted woman, Agathe overshadowed by her husband’s family, she has emerged as a proud producer of premium cocoa under the label #CacaoExcellence. Thanks to partnerships with the French chocolatiers group Chocolatiers Engagés, Femme Rural sells its cocoa at premium prices, proving that empowerment is not just about survival but about thriving.
With LadyAgri’s unwavering support, Femme Rural is a shining example of how access to credit, mentorship, and collective action can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.
Join us as we celebrate the incredible journey of Femme Rural—a story of self-determination, community transformation, and the power of women working together. This is not just a story of farming; it’s a pathway to prosperity, decision-making, and breaking barriers.
Tune in for a Christmas tale of courage, collaboration, and change, straight from the fields of IHUND, Cameroon. If you would like to further support these women you can donate through the Friends of LadyAgri philanthropic fund.