On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February, we highlight the importance of knowledge produced, shared and applied by women in different contexts — including in the field, where science and practice go hand in hand.

From 24 to 26 January, an important exchange visit took place, during which 23 women from 14 horticultural groups across 10 tabancas in Cantanhez visited the Kafo Federation, accompanied by the Darwin project team and institutional representatives (IBAP, Palmeirinha NGO, CRIA and the University of Exeter).

During the exchange, two technical staff members from the Kafo Federation delivered both theoretical and practical training in agroecology, focusing on the organic maintenance of vegetable gardens using natural fertilisers and pest control techniques; the preparation of nurseries, plant selection and transplanting; the development of leadership skills and strategies to strengthen the groups’ financial autonomy and sustainability; and the importance of monitoring and comparing investment and production costs with revenues.