Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies, providing employment and sustenance for a significant portion of the population. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift in the African agricultural landscape, with women taking the lead in innovative farming practices, sustainable food production, and improving food security across the continent. In this article, we will introduce you to six remarkable women who have been instrumental in transforming agriculture in Africa
1. Agnes Kalibata (Rwanda)
Agnes Kalibata served as the President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) from 2014 to 2020. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in advocating for policies and practices that promote food security and sustainable agriculture across Africa. Her work included efforts to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, increase access to agricultural finance, and promote gender equity in agriculture.
2. Sara Menker (Ethiopia)
Sara Menker is the founder and CEO of Gro Intelligence, a company that uses data analytics to provide insights into global agriculture. Her innovative approach to data-driven decision-making in agriculture has been invaluable for farmers and policymakers in Africa and beyond. Gro Intelligence’s platform helps assess crop production, monitor market trends, and develop strategies to address food security challenges.
3. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (Nigeria)
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is an expert on food ecosystems, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and youth development. She has over 25 years of international development experience and is the founder of LEAP Africa and African Food Changemakers. She is also the co-founder of Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd., AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd and Wealth4Impact.
4. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu (Ethiopia)
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is the founder of soleRebels, an Ethiopian shoe company that has branched into agriculture. She’s pioneering sustainable farming practices in Ethiopia, focusing on coffee production. Her innovative approaches to farming and fair trade principles have a positive impact on the livelihoods of Ethiopian farmers.
5. Mavis Nduchwa (Botswana)
Mavis Nduchwa is the founder of Chabana Farms, a Botswana-based agribusiness. She’s known for her work in promoting sustainable farming practices and her commitment to providing training and support to young farmers in Botswana. Her efforts contribute to food security by empowering the next generation of farmers.
6. Victoria Mwafulirwa (Malawi)
Victoria Mwafulirwa is the co-founder of Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology in Malawi. Her organization focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices and permaculture. By training farmers in ecological agriculture, she’s helping to improve food security and environmental sustainability.
These six women are just a few examples of the remarkable innovators who have been driving positive change in African agriculture. Their work in sustainable farming practices, agri-tech solutions, and policy advocacy is instrumental in transforming agriculture, improving food security, and empowering farmers across the continent. As these women continue to lead the way, the future of African agriculture looks promising. Their stories inspire not only African women but also the entire world to invest in sustainable agriculture for a hunger-free future.
