Unlocking Potential: Empowering Paraguayan Women in Agribusiness

At 5:00 AM, Lucilia Bottini starts her day in the town of Puente Kyjhá, in the rural region of Canindeyú, Paraguay. She grabs her keys and heads to her car, driving to the soybean fields on her family’s land, where she supervises the farm and workers operations.

What may seem like a heavy task to many, for Lucilia symbolizes her self-determination. She is one of the participants in the "Mujer con Valor" ("Women with Value") program, implemented by Agrofértil, a leading agribusiness company in Paraguay, with support from IFC. As part of the program, she  and over 100 women farmers, connected to Agrofértil’s supply chain, received technical and financial management training and were prepared for family business governance and succession planning—key aspects for the long-term success of women-led agricultural enterprises.

In Paraguay, women play a vital role in agribusiness, contributing to  the country’s thriving agricultural sector. However, they still face challenges in accessing equal opportunities and resources that ensure equitable growth in the sector.

“Every day, women participate more in decision-making and leading initiatives, such as purchasing machinery and inputs. All of this is possible thanks to joint efforts with our families, setting an example for new generations that agriculture is a space of opportunities for everyone. Through 'Mujer con Valor,' Agrofértil provides us with the necessary tools to strengthen our role in agriculture”, Bottini commented. 

IFC’s partnership with Agrofértil includes a $20 million loan, disbursed in 2021, to help the company expand its financial and technical assistance to small and medium-sized farmers.  Notably, 71% of these farmers operate on land of less than 500 hectares, highlighting the importance of strengthening small-scale producers. This initiative aims to help farmers secure pre-harvest financing, adopt sustainable practices, and recover from the economic challenges posed by the pandemic. 

“Lucilia Bottini exemplifies the positive impact of creating an inclusive and sustainable agribusiness sector in Paraguay. The partnership with Agrofértil not only offers financial support to farmers but promotes gender equality in leadership roles within the industry. This initiative is critical for driving long-term economic growth and ensuring that no one is left behind, with female participation in agriculture having increased by 75% since 2008,” said Verónica Navas, IFC’s Upstream and Advisory Manager for Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services in Latin America and Europe.

IFC’s broader strategy in Paraguay focuses on strengthening the country’s competitiveness by providing financial support and advisory services in key economic sectors. This strategy is based on three main pillars: improving physical and digital connectivity to foster export-driven growth, managing natural resources to integrate them sustainably into global value chains, and increasing access to financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to drive job creation. Within this framework, IFC’s investments in agribusiness are essential for Paraguay’s economic recovery and diversification, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Agrofértil’s Commitment to Gender Equality: EDGE Certification

Another major milestone in Agrofértil’s commitment to support equal opportunities for women was the achievement of the EDGE Gender Certification, in 2022, making it the first company in Paraguay to receive this recognition. EDGE is a globally recognized assessment and certification methodology that promotes gender equality in the workplace. To earn this certification, Agrofértil underwent a rigorous evaluation and external audit, examining aspects such as corporate culture, internal policies, and business practices to ensure equal opportunities.

This certification process was supported by IFC, whose expertise helped Agrofértil develop a comprehensive action plan to enhance talent development, strengthen employee engagement, and increase productivity, in line with the company’s long-term business objectives. The EDGE certification reflects Agrofértil’s commitment to creating a fair work environment that strengthens female leadership and promotes equal opportunities.

“For over 31 years, Agrofértil has built a sustainable business strategy with policies that ensure the comprehensive development of our employees. With this certification, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting the professional growth of both men and women as a key pillar of our operations. We want our workforce to reflect the equity of the sector in our country, in synergy with the corporate values and philosophy of Grupo Sarabia,” said José Marcos Sarabia, Grupo Sarabia’s CEO and Agrofertil’s President. 

The strategic partnership with Agrofértil highlights the transformative role of women in the workplace and in agribusiness, where 55% of rural women in Paraguay are engaged in agricultural or livestock work. By supporting women to take on leadership roles, manage family businesses, and access critical tools and resources, the partnership helps close gaps in access to credit and technical assistance.

Given agriculture's significant role in employing rural women, their increased participation is essential to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable sector as Paraguay advances its economic recovery and diversification. By tackling these barriers, we aim to unlock the full potential of women in agribusiness, driving long-term growth and resilience for the country.