CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion

For years, conversations about gender in agriculture have focused on what women lack: land, finance, technology, information, markets and economic opportunities. Extensive evidence has documented these inequalities, and the case for change has long been established. The more pressing question today is therefore this: if we already have substantial evidence about what can work, why are so many women and young people still being left behind, and why do successful approaches so rarely move beyond pilot projects? At the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week #AASW9 in Abuja, Nigeria, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners and young innovators explored how stronger evidence, meaningful partnerships and sustained investment can translate gender research into more resilient, productive and inclusive agri-food systems. Catch up on the event here: https://lnkd.in/dHXcRnzS #GenderinAg

This week @ the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week #AASW9 in Abuja, Nigeria, a moment of extraordinary convergence. The CAADP-Kampala Declaration has set bold targets for 2026 to 2035. The International Year of the Woman Farmer has placed a global spotlight on the very people who produce up to 60–80 percent of food in sub-Saharan Africa. And yet, the crises are deepening, climate shocks are more frequent, food insecurity is rising, and young people are not harnessing the opportunity in agriculture because the sector has not been made attractive or equitable. The question is: do we have the evidence to act decisively, and are we using it? We face two divergent pathways. In the business-as-usual scenario, persistent gender gaps will cost the continent over $100 billion annually in lost agricultural GDP, a staggering figure that should keep every finance minister awake at night. In the gender-transformative scenario, closing those gaps unlocks productivity, resilience, and innovation at a scale that can feed the continent and create millions of dignified livelihoods for young people. International Rice Research Institute CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA CGIAR Namukolo Covic Vivian Atakos Dr Helen Dennis Teghtegh Inimbom Bassey

Are you at #AASW9 happening this week? Join this event happening today. #GenderinAg #foodsystems

Join us in this pre- Africa Food Systems Forum Webinar as we explore how we can challenge restrictive and harmful norms in #foodsystems Drawing on evidence from Kenya’s maize–legume and dairy value chains, this webinar will explore how gender norms affect women’s and young people’s access to finance, productive resources, markets, decision-making and business opportunities. Featuring researchers from CGIAR and partners including: 🔶 Dr Eileen Bogweh Nchanji and Cosmas Lutomia - Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 🔶 Esther Leah Achandi (PhD) - International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) 🔶 Edidah Ampaire - International Development Research Centre (IDRC) 🗓️ 28 July 2026 ⏰ 2-3PM EAT Register: https://lnkd.in/eTPzWv-b #GenderinAg #Foodsystems

Join us at the upcoming #AASW9 for this side event “Gender Equality in Food, Land and Water Systems: Evidence and Solutions for Urgent Action”   Anchored in the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, this side event will showcase evidence, innovations, and partnerships that are driving progress across Africa. It will bring together diverse stakeholders in a dynamic dialogue that moves beyond identifying challenges to exploring concrete solutions and investment opportunities.   The session will also help build momentum towards the launch of the forthcoming CGIAR flagship report, "Gender Equality and Inclusion in Food, Land and Water Systems by 2050: Projections and Solutions," which provides evidence-based pathways to accelerate gender equality and inclusion across agrifood systems Read more: https://lnkd.in/e6YvN8DP #GenderinAg #YearoftheWomanFarmer #Innovations #Womenfarmers Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA Ban Ki-moon Foundation

Join us with partners in this pre-AFSF webinar as we explore how we can challenge restrictive and harmful gender norms in #foodsystems Read more and register below 👇 #GenderinAg #foodsytems

Are you a researcher interested in transformative change in agribusinesses, and/or a business leader yourself? Join us at 3 pm CEST on August 4th for a virtual panel discusson on "integrating transformative principles into business leadership". Hosted by the Gender Transformative Research Methodologies Community of Practice (GTRM-CoP) this webinar will feature transformative leaders, explore gender metrics for investors, discuss the importance of commitment to gender equality and social inclusion, and provide real-world case studies of businesses integrating gender equality into their operations. This webinar is part of the mini-series on "transformative leadership". We will hear from:  🔶 Dr. Edward Bikketi, Social Scientist and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist, based in Kenya, with over two decades of experience with multilateral agencies, AGRA and the CGIAR system 🔶 Noura Adelwahab, Development Economist and GESI Expert, based in Egypt, with nearly three decades of experience across the MENA region 🔶 Peserverance Muzeya, Founder and CEO of Azanael Group, a pioneering company in Zimbabwe specializing in agroprocessing and reduction of post-harvest losses 🔶 Judith Marera, CEO of Lanforce Energy, a social enterprise in the renewable energy sector in Zimbabwe Register here: https://lnkd.in/djSTquZR #GenderinAg #GTRM

Despite their central contributions, women continue to face structural barriers in accessing land, finance, markets, technologies, information, and decision-making opportunities. These inequalities limit productivity, reduce adaptive capacity, constrain innovation, and undermine the resilience of households, communities, and food systems. Young women are often disproportionately affected, facing intersecting barriers that limit their participation and leadership in agriculture and rural transformation.   At the same time, growing evidence demonstrates that gender-responsive innovations and partnerships can accelerate progress toward sustainable agrifood systems. From inclusive breeding programs and digital agricultural services to innovative financing mechanisms, climate-smart agriculture, and gender-transformative approaches, practical solutions already exist. How can we effectively scale these innovations?   Join us in this side event at the upcoming Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA 9th Africa Agricultural Science Week (#AASW9) in Abuja Nigeria as we focus on “Gender Equality in Food, Land and Water Systems: Evidence and Solutions for Urgent Action” Ban Ki-moon Foundation Read more:https://lnkd.in/e6YvN8DP #GenderinAg #YearoftheWomanFarmer #Innovations #Womenfarmers