Africa Food Systems Forum Summit 2024: Advancing gender equality and nutrition for sustainable agriculture

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) has consistently served as a pivotal platform for shaping agricultural policies and practices across the continent. By convening a wide array of stakeholders, the AFSF fosters discussions that promote inclusive and sustainable food systems and address key issues such as gender equality and nutrition. This year's AFSF Summit, held September 2-6 in Kigali, Rwanda, revolved around the theme "Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era."

Among the many critical topics discussed in various sessions, the role of women in agriculture and their direct impact on nutrition and household food security took center stage in the September 3 session on "Gender in Agriculture and Food Systems: African Perspectives."

During the summit, the discussions emphasized the critical linkages between gender, climate change, and access to resources, such as land and finance. Women, as central figures in agriculture and food security, often face systemic barriers that limit their access to these essential resources. Addressing these challenges not only empowers women but also contributes to building healthier, more resilient communities, highlighting the transformative potential of gender-inclusive interventions.