Women-led innovation, social inclusion and sustainability in Africa’s agri-food systems

Although women play a central role in African agriculture, women’s contributions to agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship remain under-researched and under-recognised. Structural gender disparities, which are reflected in limited access to resources, infrastructure, financial services, and decision-making processes, continue to hinder their potential.

This report presents fifteen case studies that highlight women-led innovations and inclusive approaches focused on sustainability and gender inclusivity, within agricultural systems across Africa (including Burkina Faso, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte dʼIvoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). These cases highlight diverse economic, social, and institutional innovations that underscore women’s pivotal role in transforming African food systems.

The study features women innovators, entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, and leaders, who are advancing gender-responsive practices across the agricultural value chain. The report captures the experiences, challenges, and transformative impacts of women-led innovations on local communities, Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS), and broader food systems. It explores how their initiatives contribute to improved livelihoods, enhanced community resilience, sustainable agricultural production, and environmental stewardship. The analysis further examines the enabling ecosystems, spanning institutional, economic, and social capacities, and the key factors that support the success of women-led innovations. It also delves into the support structures and networks that enable these innovations to thrive, including access to productive resources (land, labour, capital), entrepreneurship opportunities, education and skills development, and enabling policy frameworks.

Particular attention is given to the outcomes, success factors, challenges, and policy implications drawn from the first-hand accounts of the women featured. Through the identification of successful models and best practices, this report offers actionable recommendations for researchers, extension agents, policymakers, private sector actors, and development stakeholders, who are committed to strengthening the contributions of women to agricultural- and rural development. A transversal analysis of the case studies provides critical insights into thematic and contextual dynamics, common barriers, and the conditions and enablers needed to scale women-led innovations.

This report intends to showcase innovations led by women which trigger changes at individual-, community- or societal levels. Ultimately, the findings are intended to inform both the CAADP-XP4 programme and broader continental policy dialogues and offer practical guidance to promote inclusive, climate resilient, and innovation-driven agricultural transformation across Africa.

To strengthen gender-responsive AIS and scale women-led innovations, the following strategic actions are recommended:

• Embed gender-responsiveness in AIS design and governance
• Strengthen gender-responsive climate resilience and agroecological practices
• Expand women’s access to finance and productive resources
• Promote inclusive decision-making processes informed by gender disaggregated data systems and monitoring
• Foster leadership, agency and capacity-building among women
• Promote inclusive market access and regional integration for women
• Enhance gender inclusive collaboration across AIS actors