By Ruramiso Mashumba, Zimbabwe

African women are central to food production and rural economies across the continent. They:

  • Represent 52% of the agricultural workforce in Sub‑Saharan Africa
  • Produce 60–80% of Africa’s food
  • Balance multiple roles as farmers, livestock keepers, entrepreneurs, and caregivers

Despite contributing the majority of agricultural labor, women farmers often struggle to access land, credit, technology, and training. Africa’s food systems are under growing pressure due to climate change, rising food demand, increasing strain on soils and natural resources.

Women farmers are on the front lines of these challenges—but remain under‑resourced. Empowering women farmers is smart economics. Closing the gender gap in agriculture increases yields by increased training on regenerative agriculture.

About the Global Farmer Network

The Global Farmer Network connects farmers from around the world to share knowledge, experiences, and insights on sustainable agriculture, technological innovation, and food security. The network amplifies farmer voices and contributes to the global dialogue on agricultural development and food production.

Ruramiso Mashumba is serving the GFN as Regional Lead: Africa.