AWARD Director Calls for Investment in Women’s Empowerment to Strengthen Africa’s Agrifood Systems

Dr. Susan Kaaria, Director of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), has highlighted the urgent need to invest in women’s empowerment within agrifood systems. She argues this approach can fuel inclusive economic growth, improve food security, and build stronger climate resilience across sub-Saharan Africa.

Women play a central role in the continent’s food systems. Yet structural barriers limit their impact and rewards.

Informal Employment Dominates Women’s Work

Kaaria pointed to a stark reality in the sector. More than 90 percent of women working in food systems hold informal roles. Their contributions often go undervalued and unprotected.

These positions lack formal contracts, social security, or fair pay. Many women handle planting, weeding, harvesting, processing, and marketing with little support.

This pattern persists across sub-Saharan Africa. It leaves women vulnerable to economic shocks and climate stresses.

Linking Empowerment to Broader Gains

Investing in women delivers wide benefits. Empowered women drive higher productivity on farms they manage.

Gender-responsive approaches address root inequalities. They boost women’s agency and decision-making power.

Kaaria emphasized these steps unlock inclusive growth. They enhance food security for households and communities. Stronger resilience follows as women adopt climate-smart practices.

AWARD, hosted by CIFOR-ICRAF, leads efforts in this space. The organization builds capacity among women researchers and leaders.

Underrepresentation in Research and Leadership

Women remain underrepresented in agricultural research and decision-making. Only about one-third of researchers in the field are women in many African countries.

AWARD tackles this through fellowships and programs. Recent initiatives include the AWARD Leadership Program for emerging women scientists. Applications target young professionals from countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.

A new fellowship focuses on climate-resilient agriculture in North and West Africa. It equips women to lead research and influence policy.

These efforts stem from AWARD’s five-year strategy. The plan aims to create confident, influential women leaders by 2027.

Recent Insights from Key Reports

A 2025 report on the status of women in agrifood systems in sub-Saharan Africa reinforced Kaaria’s points. Produced with FAO and partners, it showed women make up nearly half the workforce yet face persistent gaps.

Kaaria presented findings at events like the Africa Food Systems Forum. She called for gender-transformative policies.

Such changes include better land rights, access to credit, and support for women-led enterprises.

Path Forward for Equitable Systems

African governments and partners must prioritize reforms. Policies should promote equitable access to resources and markets.

Training programs build skills. Mentoring helps women navigate leadership paths.

As climate challenges intensify, women’s involvement becomes essential. Targeted efforts can deliver gender-responsive solutions.

AWARD continues to advocate for these shifts. With sustained investment, women’s empowerment promises lasting change in Africa’s agrifood systems.