Women play a crucial role in Africa's agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food production, household nutrition, and rural economies. Despite comprising a majority of the agricultural workforce, women face systemic barriers, including restricted land ownership, limited access to credit, and entrenched sociocultural norms that hinder their full participation in nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices. This chapter explores the intersection of gender, agriculture, and nutrition, emphasising the transformative potential of empowering women in food systems to enhance dietary diversity, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Drawing on empirical evidence and case studies from across Africa, the chapter highlights successful interventions such as women-led cooperatives, microfinance initiatives, and climate-smart agricultural practices that have improved household nutrition and food security. It argues that bridging gender disparities in agricultural policies and resource distribution is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger, gender equality, and poverty reduction. The chapter further examines policy frameworks, legal instruments, and best practices that can facilitate women's access to agricultural resources, markets, and decision-making roles. It advocates for gender-responsive policies that integrate women's indigenous knowledge, leverage digital innovations, and promote financial inclusion. By recognising women as key stakeholders in agricultural transformation, this chapter underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure equitable food systems. Advancing women's roles in nutrition-sensitive agriculture is not only a matter of social justice but a strategic imperative for Africa's long-term food security and economic growth.
Elsevier, Advances in Food Security and Sustainability, Volume 10, January 2025
