The Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) has expressed concern over the untapped economic and strategic potential of women in the agricultural sector.
LAWFF made its position known during the official launch of the Leading AgriWomen Voices (LAV) Book as part of events to commemorate International Women’s Day.
The virtual launch featured speakers like Ndidi Nwuneli and Agnes Konde, aligning with this year’s IWD theme: “Accelerate Action.”
Speaking, LAWFF Programme Lead, Adanna Imadfidor, disclosed that women have been the backbone of agriculture—not just as labourers but as innovators, market influencers, and climate strategists for over 10,000 years. She regretted that their economic and strategic power remains underutilized due to systemic barriers such as restricted land ownership, policy-making exclusion, and limited capital access.
According to her, by equipping women with tools, networks, and visibility, LAWFF will ensure they are not seen as mere beneficiaries but as key architects of food security, economic resilience, and innovation.
She added that the body is not just amplifying women’s voices but also undertaking strategic interventions to reshape the future of Africa’s food economy.
“Beyond the fields, women’s contributions to agriculture extend far beyond smallholder farming. They play critical roles as agricultural economists, innovators, and climate strategists—shaping markets, pioneering sustainable practices, and leading adaptation efforts.
“However, financial exclusion, outdated policies, and lack of representation in leadership spaces often undermine their ability to drive large-scale transformation.
“Equal access to resources could increase global agricultural output by 30%, feeding an additional 150 million people. However, financial institutions and policymakers continue to marginalize them.
“To correct this imbalance, it is essential to develop gender-first agricultural policies that ensure female-led land ownership, targeted financing, and market integration.
“Break funding barriers by moving beyond microloans to high-capital investments for women-led agribusinesses. Innovate with agricultural technology designed for women, addressing labour dynamics and access challenges.
“There is also a need to reposition women as decision-makers, ensuring their leadership in agricultural ministries, agribusinesses, and climate resilience initiatives. Women have long been the silent architects of agriculture, but their silence can no longer be tolerated. The future of agriculture must involve systemic shifts that recognize and restore their agency.”
As part of this mission, LAWFF announced the 2025 cohort and the launch of the LAV Book, a groundbreaking publication amplifying the narratives of African women shaping the food ecosystem.
Noting that the programme includes targeted mentorship, a close-out event at the AGRF Summit in Rwanda, and the launch of an Alumni Network to sustain impact and collaboration, Imadfidor added that in 2025, LAWFF awarded fellowships to 32 more outstanding women agripreneurs from across 11 African countries.
He said, “Out of 1,154 nominations, these women will leverage the fellowship’s training, mentorship, and alumni support to build a sustainable and inclusive food ecosystem, showcasing the diversity and brilliance of African women.”
In this article