The forum was held as part of activities marking International Women’s Day week under the theme “Women Cultivating Opportunity.” It brought together experts, researchers, and practitioners to examine the structural barriers facing women farmers and explore policy and investment strategies that could unlock their potential.
Opening the discussion, Zubeidah Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, spoke about the often overlooked role women play in supporting households and communities through agriculture and small-scale food businesses.
Kananu reflected on the life of her late mother, whose small food business helped support farmers while also providing for her family. Despite dealing with challenges such as limited access to land, credit, and modern farming technologies, she continued working hard and creating opportunities for those around her.
According to Kananu, her mother’s story mirrors the reality of many women across the country whose contributions to Kenya’s food systems remain largely unrecognized.
Women Dominate Agricultural Labour but Face Inequality
In her keynote address, Mary Mbithi, Team Leader at the University of Nairobi Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Hub and Professor of Economics at the University of Nairobi, emphasized the critical role women play in Kenya’s agricultural economy.
Mbithi noted that women make up between 70 and 80 percent of the agricultural labour force, yet they account for only 33 percent of formal wage employment in the sector. She also pointed out that women receive less than 10 percent of agricultural credit, despite their major involvement in farming and household responsibilities.
She explained that structural barriers such as limited land ownership rights, cultural expectations, and restricted access to financial services continue to hinder women’s productivity and economic progress.
“Closing the gender gap in agriculture is not just about fairness,” Mbithi said. “It is also an economic necessity that can boost productivity, strengthen food security, and increase household incomes.”
Education and Policy Reform Key to Progress
Lucy Wakiaga, Associate Research Scientist at the African Population and Health Research Center, also addressed the forum, highlighting the importance of education and policy reforms in tackling gender inequality.
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Wakiaga explained that disparities in education—especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—often limit women’s ability to adopt modern agricultural technologies and participate in higher-value agricultural activities.
“If we want inclusive economic growth, we must invest in education systems that respond to gender needs and challenge cultural stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing science and technology,” she said.
She added that narrowing gender gaps in both education and economic participation could significantly increase agricultural productivity while also strengthening national food security.
Addressing the Burden of Unpaid Work
Participants also discussed the heavy burden of unpaid care and domestic work that many women carry, which often reduces the time they can dedicate to income-generating activities such as farming and entrepreneurship.
Speakers emphasized the need for investments in social infrastructure, including childcare services and labour-saving technologies, to help reduce the time women spend on unpaid household responsibilities and allow them to engage more fully in economic activities.
Partnerships for Inclusive Agricultural Growth
The forum also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector in supporting women farmers.
Participants explored innovative initiatives such as youth- and women-led agricultural quality centers, which aim to connect farmers to markets, improve product standards, and create new opportunities across agricultural value chains.
Speakers also stressed the importance of involving men and young people in gender empowerment initiatives to ensure lasting change within families and communities.
A Call for Investment in Women Farmers
The discussions concluded with a strong call for policy reforms, increased investment in women farmers, and improved data systems to support evidence-based decision-making.
Participants agreed that empowering women in agriculture is essential for achieving inclusive economic growth, strengthening food systems, and building resilient rural economies.
By placing women at the center of agricultural development, stakeholders said Kenya can unlock significant economic potential while ensuring that the benefits of agricultural growth reach communities across the country
