Leveraging Agricultural Co-operatives for Women’s Economic Empowerment: A Structural Modelling Study Based on Agricultural Innovation Systems

This paper examines the role of agricultural co-operatives in empowering smallholder women farmers in Rwanda. Data was collected from 342 women in 14 co-operatives under the Food for the Hungry program in Eastern Rwanda. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings revealed that agricultural innovation technology, quality inputs, livestock farming, and access to finance significantly enhance agricultural outcomes and income diversification, which mediate women’s economic empowerment. Improvement in agricultural innovation technology (β = 0.697, p < 0.001), access to quality inputs (β = 0.642, p < 0.001) and livestock ownership (β = 0.610, p < 0.001) significantly improved agricultural outcomes, which enhanced women's economic empowerment (β = 0.661, p < 0.001). Access to finance (β = 0.680, p < 0.001) and entrepreneurship skills development (β = 0.652, p < 0.001) also positively influenced income diversification, further boosting empowerment (β = 0.613, p < 0.001). However, market access negatively impacted empowerment (β = -0.607, p = 0.001) through income diversification, indicating a need for further research. Agricultural co-operatives play a crucial role in increasing economic resilience and empowering women by improving agricultural outcomes and access to essential resources. Recommendations include strengthening capacity-building programs and ensuring women receive training on modern farming technologies, entrepreneurship and financial management.