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
Dear JUMMAI YILA would it be possible to give to me the study about the calculation of 100billions lost because gender gap? Thanks
A timely and powerful message JUMMAI YILA. Achieving the ambitions of the CAADP Kampala Declaration will require inclusive seed systems that empower women and youth with access to improved varieties, quality seed, and innovation. At African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA), we believe that evidence-based policies, strong partnerships, and equitable access to agricultural technologies are essential for building resilient food systems and unlocking Africa's agricultural potential. Lindah Mbaisi, MCIPR Ajay Panchbhai Sofia Tesfazion