Beyond the Fields: Rewriting Women’s Agricultural Legacy for the Future

For over 10,000 years, women have been the backbone of agriculture, not just as labourers but as innovators, market influencers, and climate strategists (FAO, 2011). Yet, their economic and strategic power remains underutilized due to systemic barriers such as restricted land ownership, policy-making exclusion, and limited capital access (World Bank, 2021).

The Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) is not just amplifying women’s voices—it is a strategic intervention to reshape the future of Africa’s food economy. By equipping women with tools, networks, and visibility, LAWFF ensures they are not seen as beneficiaries but as key architects of food security, economic resilience, and innovation. As part of this mission, LAWFF is excited to announce the 2025 cohort and the launch of the Leading AgriWomen Voices (LAV) Book, a groundbreaking publication amplifying the narratives of African women shaping the food ecosystem.

Women’s Role in Agriculture: Beyond the Fields

Women’s contributions to agriculture extend far beyond smallholder farming. They play critical roles as agricultural economists, innovators, and climate strategists, shaping markets, pioneering sustainable practices, and leading adaptation efforts (UN Women, 2023; FAO, 2011; World Bank, 2021). However, financial exclusion, outdated policies, and lack of representation in leadership spaces often undermine their ability to drive large-scale transformation.

Shifting the Narrative: From Recognition to Investment

Empowering women in agriculture is not just about equity—it is an economic necessity. Equal access to resources could increase global agricultural output by 30%, feeding an additional 150 million people (FAO, 2011). However, financial institutions and policymakers continue to marginalize them. To correct this imbalance, it is essential to:

• Develop gender-first agricultural policies that ensure female-led land ownership, targeted financing, and market integration (UN Women, 2023).
• Break funding barriers by moving beyond microloans to high-capital investments for women-led agribusinesses (World Bank, 2021).
• Innovate with agricultural technology designed for women, addressing labour dynamics and access challenges (FAO, 2011).
• Reposition women as decision-makers, ensuring their leadership in agricultural ministries, agribusinesses, and climate resilience initiatives (UN Women, 2023).
• Women have long been the silent architects of agriculture, but their silence can no longer be tolerated. The future of agriculture must involve systemic shifts that recognize and restore their agency.

LAWFF’s Impact & 2025 Cohort Announcement

In 2023, LAWFF selected 25 fellows from 640 nominations across 12 African countries, providing expert-led training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Fellows gained global recognition through speaking engagements and media features. In 2024, LAWFF expanded to 30 fellows from 639 nominations across 10 countries. The program included targeted mentorship, a close-out event at the AGRF Summit in Rwanda, and the launch of an Alumni Network to sustain impact and collaboration.

In 2025, LAWFF awarded fellowships to 32 more outstanding women agripreneurs from across 11 African countries. Out of 1,154 nominations​​, these women will leverage the fellowship’s training, mentorship, and alumni support to build a sustainable and inclusive food ecosystem, showcasing the diversity and brilliance of African women.

The official launch of LAWFF 2025 was held on Monday, March 10, 2025, to commemorate International Women's Day. The virtual launch featured speakers like Ndidi Nwuneli and Agnes Konde, aligning with this year's IWD theme: "Accelerate Action.

Categories designed to recognize excellence include "Disruptors," "Trailblazers," "Food/Beverage Narrative Changers," "Top Chefs in Africa," and "Ecosystem Enablers."

LAV Book: A Testament to Women’s Leadership in Agriculture

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Leading AgriWomen Voices (LAV) Book, a powerful collection of strategies, and insights from women leading Africa’s food revolution. The book serves as a blueprint for gender inclusivity, resilience, and innovation in agriculture.

Copies can be downloaded via the LAWFF website and will be distributed to policy influencers, investors, and agrifood stakeholders across the continent.

LAWFF represents the latest effort by African Food Changemakers to support agri-food entrepreneurs in Africa. Since 2019, the organization has successfully implemented programs impacting over 4,350 young entrepreneurs across the agriculture value chain. The LAWFF program is a transformative force, recognizing outstanding achievements and shaping a future where African women in agriculture shine.