NAMA Launches Agri-Business Program for Sharjah Womenpreneurs

• NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA), in collaboration with Al Dhaid University, has launched an Agri-business Programme
• Aims to empower women to use their homes and gardens to start sustainable agribusinesses  

Recently, NAMA and Al Dhaid University announced the start of an Agribusiness Programme to support sustainable agribusiness growth by women into the future. Beginning October 14 and taking place over six weeks in Al Dhaid and Khorfakkan. 

The purpose is to educate women about using their homes and gardens as incubators of sustainable agribusiness, and to encourage their involvement with national food security and economic participation.  

The programme will implement a learning model that is applied and enhances income generation, economic empowerment, and confidence, agency and leadership among participants in their communities. 

H.E. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA, emphasized that agriculture can be a pathway for women to claim the value of their harvest, increase their economic independence and status in the community.  

She noted the program represents a blend of Emirati culture, heritage, and new venture skills and knowledge to allow women to be innovators and leaders while providing a prototype for future endeavours to enhance food security and the role of women in sustainable economic development.  

Working with Al Dhaid University supports the program with curriculum and field specialists to develop and deliver other educational and experiential components of the program. 

The program features a mix of hands-on workshops, group discussions, relevant cases based on practice, and action learning, culminating in a capstone project where participants propose workable agri-business ideas.  

The participants will develop a knowledge base in sustainable agriculture (e.g., hydroponic systems), hygiene and safety standards for products ready for market sale, and learn the necessary entrepreneurial skills, including business planning, pricing, branding, marketing, and understanding home-based food production regulations and accessing local markets and cooperatives. 

The curriculum is divided into nine interrelated modules which address agricultural practices and agribusiness development.  

The agricultural modules encompass topics such as Fundamentals of Organic and Modern Gardening, Planning a Garden, Seedling Care, Irrigation and Pest Management, Crop Preservation, Product Safety and Quality, and Value-Added Agricultural Products.  

The agribusiness modules specifically address Agripreneurship Fundamentals, and Market and Legal Requirements, and Brand Building and Project Storytelling. 

At the conclusion of the programme, participants develop both the technical skills to produce and preserve high-quality agricultural products, as well as the business skills to launch and scale home-based agribusinesses in the pursuit of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.