By Winnie Ali | aliwinnie3@gmail.com
Despite women constituting nearly half of the global agricultural workforce, their access to land, credit, training, and decision-making opportunities remains limited.
Stakeholders, however, argue that when women gain access to financial resources, markets, and leadership roles, they become key agents of change in the agri-food system, which is a fundamental pillar of global health, economic stability, and social equity.
During a recent training on Gender, One Health, Safeguarding, and Human Rights Principles organised by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), stakeholders highlighted how women play a significant role in food production, nutrition, and animal care.
The forum brought together researchers, scientists, academia, and community champions from the Ministry of Health, Department of Zoonotic Diseases, International Livestock Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies among others, with good media attendance.
Dr Beatrice Muriithi, a Gender and Impact Assessment Lead at icipe, emphasised the importance of adopting the One Health approach that focuses on a holistic framework integrating human, animal, and environmental health to promote sustainable agri-food systems.
It recognises the interconnectedness of some three domains, including creating a comprehensive system for managing zoonotic diseases, promoting sustainable farming practices, and conserving biodiversity.
By addressing these interdependent issues, the approach strengthens resilience within the agricultural sector while safeguarding public health and environmental sustainability.
“If we do not embrace the One Health approach, we will focus on one area while neglecting others that are equally important. We need an approach like One Health to help us integrate all these different aspects effectively,” Dr Muriithi explained.
The One Health approach recognizes human, animal, plant, and environmental health, and and how they impact one another.
A key takeaway from the workshop was the crucial role of gender inclusion in successfully implementing the One Health approach. By ensuring equitable participation and access to resources, gender inclusion amplifies the benefits of One Health, fostering stronger, more resilient agri-food systems.
The forum reaffirmed that the economic empowerment of women not only enhances individual livelihoods but also strengthens community resilience, fostering long-term stability and prosperity.
“Gender responsive intervention is meant to rectify some of the historical disadvantages that have put women in disadvantaged positions to make sure that there is a plain and equitable playground,” said Prof Salome Bukachi of the University of Nairobi.
She said gender-inclusive policies that provide equal access to these resources could significantly enhance agricultural productivity.
“When women are empowered with knowledge and resources, they contribute unique perspectives and innovative solutions, leading to increased crop yields, improved efficiency, and enhanced food security,” she added.
Prof Bukachi said promoting women’s participation in agricultural cooperatives, policy-making bodies, and extension services would ensure more balanced decision-making processes.
“Inclusive leadership structures help address the diverse needs of both men and women, leading to the development of more equitable and effective policies. This collaborative approach fortifies the resilience of agri-food systems and accelerates sustainable development,” she said.
“For instance, an intervention like providing information to farmers during animals disease outbreaks must have gender consideration in terms of timing for such forums, the messaging and the role of every gender,” she said.
