NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 2, 2023 – The persistent challenges surrounding women’s access to land, credit, and technology in agribusiness were brought to the forefront today at the Women in Agribusiness Leadership Summit 2024 (WIAS). NARK Kenya Chairperson Marth Karua highlighted the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women’s full participation in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms.
During her keynote address, Karua pointed out that cultural institutions in Kenya remain disproportionately biased against women, particularly in land registration and tenure systems that favor male heirs. “Agriculture has long been the backbone of Kenya’s economy, but its true potential lies in the hands of the women who fuel it. Women constitute the majority of smallholder farmers across Africa, playing pivotal roles in food production, processing, and marketing. Yet, despite their indispensable contributions, they face significant barriers—ranging from access to land and capital to cultural and policy-related challenges,” she stated.
Karua further elaborated on the impact of discriminatory social norms that restrict women and their decision-making power regarding land. “Women are often excluded from critical decisions surrounding land allocation, use, and sale. This exclusion extends to their underrepresentation in leadership roles within agricultural cooperatives, associations, and other key decision-making bodies. Such a lack of representation severely limits their ability to influence policies and practices that directly affect their success in agriculture,” she added.
The summit, themed “Farming for the Future: Women’s Vision for Sustainable Agriculture,” aims to convene industry leaders, policymakers, agripreneurs, and women farmers for a day of dialogue, inspiration, and practical solutions. Wangari Kuria, Founder of Farmer on Fire Limited, emphasized the significance of the event: “The Women in Agribusiness Leadership Summit 2024 seeks to spotlight the vital role of women in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. This event is not merely a conference; it is a movement to position women at the forefront of agribusiness innovation and policy-making.”
As Kenya grapples with food insecurity despite its vast agricultural potential, the voices of women in agriculture must be amplified and supported. “It is imperative that we address the systemic barriers that limit women’s access to resources and decision-making power. By doing so, we can unlock their potential and ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all,” Kuria concluded.
The Women in Agribusiness Leadership Summit 2024 promises to be a transformative platform for advocating women’s rights in agriculture and fostering a collaborative approach to sustainable food systems.
