Participants pose for a group photo during the Press Club on Women's Economic Rights in Agriculture./PHOTO ; Kenya Editors Guild
Across Kenya, women form the backbone of the nation’s agricultural economy.
From tending crops at dawn to managing small-scale farms, their work sustains families, communities, and the broader food system.
Yet despite their essential role, women often face systemic barriers that limit their productivity, economic participation, and access to resources.
These issues took center stage at the Women’s Economic Rights in Agriculture Press Club, organized by the Kenya Editors Guild with support from the Gates Foundation, on 12 March 2026.
The event brought together stakeholders from academia, research, media, and civil society to explore the challenges women face in agriculture and discuss practical solutions for strengthening their economic empowerment.
The forum highlighted the urgent need to address structural inequities, expand access to education and finance, and recognize the invisible contributions women make to Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Structural Barriers in Agriculture
Highlighting the scale of gender disparities in agriculture, Prof. Mary Mbithi, Team Leader at the University of Nairobi WEE Hub and Professor of Economics, presented key findings on the economic exclusion of women farmers.
Women account for 70–80 percent of the agricultural labor force but hold only 33 percent of formal wage employment and receive less than 10 percent of agricultural credit.
Prof. Mbithi emphasized that these gaps are not merely social issues; they are economic constraints that impact national productivity and food security.
“Addressing these barriers is not just a gender issue; it is an economic imperative. Closing the gender gap in agriculture can significantly improve productivity, food security, and household incomes,” she noted.
She called for policies that strengthen women’s land and inheritance rights, expand access to affordable finance, and support women-led enterprises across agricultural value chains.
Prof. Mbithi argued that by dismantling structural obstacles, Kenya could unlock the full potential of women farmers, creating more equitable and sustainable growth.
Recognizing Everyday Contributions
While statistics provide a snapshot of gender disparities, personal stories highlight the human impact behind the numbers. Zubeida Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, reflected on her late mother’s role as a community supporter and agricultural contributor.
“Through her small kibanda, she supported farmers, educated her children, and nourished a community. Her story reminds us that behind every thriving food system are women quietly feeding a nation,” Kananu said.
Her reflections reminded participants that women’s contributions often go unrecognized due to cultural norms, restrictive policies, and limited access to modern agricultural tools.
Kananu stressed that visibility is the first step toward meaningful policy change and investment, noting that acknowledging women’s work is crucial for shaping Kenya’s agricultural and economic future.
Addressing Hidden Barriers
The Press Club also explored the less visible challenges women face, including unpaid domestic labor and limited social infrastructure, which reduce their capacity to participate fully in economic activities.
Panelists underscored the importance of investments in childcare, labor-saving technologies, and local market access points as ways to free women to focus on enterprise management, innovation adoption, and community engagement.
Speakers also highlighted the need for inclusive approaches, bringing men and youth into empowerment initiatives.
They emphasized that sustainable progress requires community-wide engagement and a shift in cultural perceptions of gender roles in agriculture.
Education and Skills for Inclusive Growth
Beyond policy and recognition, education and skills development play a pivotal role in women’s empowerment.
Dr. Lucy Wakiaga, Associate Research Scientist at the African Population and Health Research Center, highlighted persistent gender gaps in education, particularly in STEM fields, which restrict women’s ability to adopt modern agricultural technologies and access higher-value opportunities.
“Educational inequality directly affects women’s productivity and leadership in agriculture. If we want inclusive economic growth, we must invest in gender-responsive education systems and remove the cultural stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing science and technology,” Wakiaga said.
She emphasized that equipping women with technical skills, agricultural knowledge, and leadership opportunities can increase productivity, strengthen food security, and open pathways for women to innovate and take leading roles in agricultural enterprises.
Partnerships and Innovative Solutions
The forum also underscored the importance of collaboration between governments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
Innovative solutions discussed included youth- and women-led quality centers that connect farmers to markets, improve standards, and create value along agricultural supply chains.
Participants emphasized that supporting women farmers through both structural reforms and practical market interventions can drive inclusive growth and strengthen Kenya’s agricultural systems.
A Unified Call to Action
The Press Club concluded with a clear message: policy reforms, increased investment, and stronger data collection are essential to advancing women’s economic rights in agriculture.
The event painted a holistic picture of the challenges and opportunities in women’s agricultural empowerment.
Addressing structural, educational, and social barriers together is crucial for creating resilient rural economies and ensuring that women farmers are not just contributors but leaders in Kenya’s agricultural future.
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