What's Happening?
The year 2026 has been designated as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) playing a pivotal role. The initiative
aims to highlight the contributions of women in agriculture and promote gender equality within agrifood systems. CGIAR, through its Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, is working to develop innovations and solutions that support women farmers. The organization is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners to coordinate global efforts, focusing on evidence-based policy changes and investable solutions.
Why It's Important?
The IYWF is significant as it brings global attention to the critical role women play in agriculture, a sector often dominated by men. By focusing on gender equality, the initiative seeks to empower women, improve agricultural productivity, and enhance food security. CGIAR's involvement ensures that scientific research and innovation are at the forefront of these efforts, providing a foundation for sustainable development. This initiative has the potential to transform agrifood systems by integrating gender-responsive policies and practices, ultimately benefiting entire communities and economies.
What's Next?
CGIAR plans to continue its engagement throughout 2026 by promoting investable innovations and engaging in science-policy dialogues. The organization aims to amplify the voices of women farmers and showcase scalable technologies and approaches that can be adopted globally. As the year progresses, CGIAR will work with partners to ensure that the momentum generated by the IYWF leads to lasting changes in policy and practice, fostering an inclusive and equitable agricultural sector.
