Women are the backbone of Kenya's agriculture, comprising up to 80% of the entire agricultural labor force and responsible for a staggering 70-80% of food production. Despite these figures, their contribution has been historically undervalued, hampered by deeply entrenched social norms and structural inequalities that limit their access to land, credit, and technology.

This disparity is not just a matter of social justice; it is a critical economic issue. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that if women had the same access to productive resources as men, farm yields could increase by 20 to 30 percent. For Kenya, this could translate to a significant reduction in the number of people facing food insecurity, a figure that stood at 13.6 million as of August 2024.

The Land Ownership Hurdle

One of the most significant barriers for women in agriculture is the lack of land ownership. While women provide the bulk of labor on farms, they own a fraction of the land. Traditional practices and inheritance laws often favor men, leaving women with insecure tenure and little incentive to make long-term investments in their farms. This systemic exclusion from land ownership perpetuates a cycle of low economic status and limits their ability to benefit from their hard work.

Breaking New Ground

Despite these challenges, a new generation of Kenyan women is breaking barriers and transforming the agricultural landscape. From turning organic waste into fertilizer to empowering women in aquaculture, female entrepreneurs are blending technology, sustainability, and inclusivity to tackle issues like unemployment and malnutrition. Trailblazers like Joyce Waithira Rugano and Mathildah Amollo are not just running successful businesses; they are redefining what it means to be a farmer in the 21st century. Their innovative models are creating closed-loop systems that regenerate the soil, the economy, and the dignity of their communities.

Government and NGO Intervention

The Kenyan government and various non-governmental organizations are also stepping in to support women in agriculture. Initiatives like the Youth and Women Empowerment in Modern Agriculture Project (Y-MAP) are providing training in agribusiness skills, modern equipment, and certified seeds to boost productivity and improve livelihoods. Furthermore, organizations like Action Against Hunger are implementing climate-smart agriculture projects to improve access to fresh produce and provide sustainable solutions for food security. These programs often include training in crop-growing techniques, pest management, and the selection of drought-resistant crops.

• **Financial Inclusion:** Women receive less than 10% of available agricultural credit, hindering their ability to invest in their farms.
• **Climate Change:** Women are disproportionately affected by climate shocks like droughts and floods, which exacerbate their vulnerabilities.
• **Gender-Based Violence:** A recent study revealed that women in the agricultural sector face high rates of harassment and exploitation.

The path to gender equality in agriculture is fraught with challenges, but the tide is turning. As more women gain access to resources, training, and leadership positions, their impact on food security and economic growth will be undeniable. Empowering women in agriculture is not just about empowering individuals; it's about investing in a more prosperous and food-secure future for all Kenyans.