Impact Of Agricultural Policies On Women In Africa
Impact Of Agricultural Policies On Women In Africa
Civil Society Organizations Propose Better Measurement Framework
To improve how Africa measures women’s participation and financial access in food systems, civil society organizations have introduced a new framework. This initiative aims to bridge the existing gaps and ensure women receive the recognition and support they deserve in agriculture.
Governments Must Strengthen Gender-Focused Monitoring
Therefore, African governments must implement effective mechanisms to track how agricultural policies impact women. According to advocacy groups promoting resilient and sustainable food systems, this step is essential for maximizing agricultural investments.
Moreover, Oxfam, the African Women’s Development and Communications Network (FEMNET), SDG2 Advocacy Hub, African Kilimanjaro Women Farmers Forum (AKIWOFF), and ActionAid highlight that, despite their major role in food production, women struggle with land ownership, credit access, and decision-making power. Consequently, addressing these issues is crucial for achieving food security across the continent.
A Roadmap for Gender-Transformative Agriculture
To tackle these challenges, the organizations released The Roadmap Towards Gender-Transformation in Africa’s New Agri-Food System Strategy (2026-2035). This framework proposes measurable gender-sensitive indicators and policy actions that ensure women’s participation in decision-making and control over productive resources. Furthermore, it addresses intersectional and cultural barriers that hinder women in agriculture.
“It’s shameful that progress remains so slow in addressing the discrimination women face in Africa’s agri-food system,” said Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director of Oxfam in Africa. “This roadmap provides a clear, actionable plan to place smallholder women farmers and marginalized groups at the heart of the continent’s agricultural transformation.”
Impact Of Agricultural Policies On Women In Africa
Aligning Policies with Gender Equality Goals
In addition, the framework aims to guide the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2026-2035, which member states will adopt in January 2025. It calls for measurable gender-focused indicators to help policymakers assess policy impacts on women’s education, technology access, cultural barriers, decision-making, and resource access.
Additionally, the framework urges CAADP to align with Africa’s gender equality goals. To achieve this, it recommends strengthening CAADP’s alignment with the Maputo Protocol, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, and the AU Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
“Sustainable agricultural growth is not just about increasing yields; it’s about empowering communities, enhancing resilience, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Susan Otieno, Executive Director of ActionAid Kenya. “The CAADP framework offers a transformative path that connects vision with action, guiding Africa toward food security and prosperity.”
Women Hold the Key to Solving Africa’s Food Crisis
Meanwhile, Africa faces a worsening food security crisis due to low agricultural investment, climate shocks, conflict, and land policies that disadvantage women smallholder farmers. In 2024, approximately 163 million people in Africa experienced acute food insecurity.
More importantly, women play a vital role in resolving this crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organization reports that women in the Global South could increase their agricultural yield by 20-30% if they had equal access to productive resources. As a result, this improvement could boost overall agricultural output in the region by 2.5-4%. However, financial and land policies continue to limit their opportunities.
“As Africa strengthens its agricultural strategies, governments must fully tap into the potential of all citizens,” said Memory Kachambwa, Executive Director of FEMNET. “Ensuring women’s inclusion in the agriculture value chain isn’t just about equality—it’s about giving Africa a real chance to achieve food security.”
