As we navigate the challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture in Africa, one key factor stands out — the irreplaceable role of African women in the sector. In promoting food solutions and initiatives aimed at integrating the concept of circularity, women influence positive change in diverse and profound ways, acting as community-responsible, educators, innovators, livestock managers, cultivators, and even pioneers in reducing post-harvest loss. It is imperative to highlight such roles women play, as in a huge portion of the world, women are the main cultivators and producers, even with their labor going largely unappreciated (1).
Additionally, agrifood systems are a far more important source of livelihood for women than for men in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2023 report, women surpass men in employment within the sector, despite carrying the additional responsibilities of unpaid domestic and care work, such as household cleaning and caring for family members.
African Women and Circular Economy #
A well-designed circular economy must address every step of the production chain to minimize resource use and ecological footprint, encouraging product reuse and recycling. Sustainable consumption and production practices that extend beyond the value chain and promote the needed inclusion of all aspects of the community in which it is promoted are essential. Such actions create a harmonious blend of circular principles and women’s active participation (6).
For African women, the circular economy presents unique opportunities for inclusion. Engaging women in circular businesses and practices and promoting recycling and reusing activities can boost income and empower women in their local communities while positively affecting the food system.
Creating green jobs within the circular economy offers a chance to break gender stereotypes, providing women with better-paid and secure employment. For example, closing the gender gap in agriculture (by increasing access to assets, land, and opportunities) and the application of circular practices would enable women to increase their yield by 20% to 30%, causing a rise in total agricultural production in developing countries by 2.5% to 4%, according to FAO.
Women as Community-Responsible: Nurturing Sustainable Traditions #
In many African societies, women hold and have occupied the central role of nurturing and nourishing their families throughout the history of matriarchal influence (2). Mothers play a pivotal role in shaping dietary habits and household food choices. Additionally, women typically determine the kinds of food to purchase within a household as they are responsible for food preparation (1). By incorporating circular food practices, African women instill respect for natural resources, waste reduction, and sustainable agricultural methods in their children and communities from an early age.
As underlined in this Montpellier Panel Briefing Paper, passing down generations of indigenous knowledge, women protect traditional crops, cultivate diverse diets, and foster resilience to changing environmental conditions (4).
Women as Educators: Spreading Awareness and Knowledge #
African women are powerful educators who can spread awareness about circular food solutions within their communities. As guardians of local traditions and customs, they hold a deep understanding of ecosystems and agricultural practices. Through community activities, gatherings, and social networks, women educate others about the importance of sustainable farming techniques, composting, and the preservation of native seeds. Their commitment to knowledge-sharing paves the way for a collective understanding of circular food systems’ long-term benefits (4).
Women as Innovators: Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture Practices #
From creating climate-smart farming practices to integrating aquaponics and vertical gardening in urban spaces, women pioneers are leading the way in embracing circular food-tech solutions. Their resilience and resourcefulness inspire new generations of farmers and entrepreneurs to think creatively and adopt sustainable practices.
Women as Livestock Managers and Cultivators: Multi-level Success #
Women are important in managing and processing livestock in both pastoralism and mixed farming systems. They have a crucial role in milk production, ensuring the nourishment of their households and animals on homesteads. Notably, women are in charge of marketing the products, using the proceeds from their sales, and controlling the usage of eggs, milk, and chicken meat for domestic consumption (3). Initially cultivating animal food crops, women raise poultry and small livestock and produce 60 to 80 percent of the food in developing nations. In addition, women decide how much food to sell and how much to stockpile based on their family’s consumption needs, storage options, market prices, and the need for quick cash (5). So women’s unique role as food managers extends even into the market presence and consumer shifts.
Women’s Role in Reducing Post-Harvest Loss #
Post-harvest loss remains a significant concern in Africa, affecting food availability and economic stability. Through better drying/storage procedures, cleaning techniques, and food processing initiatives, women play a crucial role in reducing waste and maximizing the use of agricultural produce. Their efforts ensure food security and contribute to economic growth and the reduction of food loss (5).
Getting involved in circular food tech can be an empowering journey for African women, and to help bring concrete solutions, we offer some ways to get involved through the INCiTiS-FOOD projects:
● Education and Training: Seek out educational opportunities and workshops related to circular food solutions and sustainable agriculture within our INCITiS-FOOD project. Gaining knowledge and skills will boost confidence and competence in implementing circular practices and will help diversify outcomes.
● Networking and Collaboration: Connect with other women in agriculture through our in-person events and online forums. Collaborating with like-minded individuals can lead to shared experiences, resources, and new ideas.
● Participate in Living Labs: Join our Living Labs in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, or Gabon and focus on circular food solutions. Our Living Labs provide hands-on experience and opportunities to experiment with innovative technologies and practices.
● Seek Financial Support: Explore available grants, funding opportunities, or micro-loans to invest in circular food-tech initiatives. Such opportunities will be available within INCiTiS-FOOD with the launch of our Open Calls that provide financial support to third parties. So make sure to check up on our Open Call page for upcoming information.
African women stand at the forefront of promoting sustainable food solutions, impacting every aspect of the agricultural landscape. With the multiple roles they take on, women drive sustainable practices, protect traditional knowledge, and inspire communities to adopt circular food systems. At INCiTiS-FOOD, we keep up with the inspiring and innovative ways of adopting circular food systems, so keep up with our Newsroom page for more stories like this.
References:
- Mkandawire, E.; Mentz-Coetzee, M.; Mangheni, M.N.; Barusi, E. Enhancing the Glopan Food Systems Framework by Integrating Gender: Relevance for Women in African Agriculture. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8564. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/su13158564
- Chineme, A.; Assefa, G.; Herremans, I.M.; Wylant, B.; Shumo, M. African Indigenous Female Entrepreneurs (IFÉs): A ClosedLooped Social Circular Economy Waste Management Model. Sustainability 2022, 14, 11628. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su141811628
- https://fspnafrica.org/the-role-women-in-agriculture/
- The Montpellier Panel. 2012. Women in Agriculture: farmers, mothers, innovators and educators. London: Agriculture for Impact.
- APHILS. 2023. The role of women in reducing postharvest loss. https://www.aphlis.net/storage/files/the-role-of-women-in-reducing-postharvest-loss_230512-112113.pdf
- https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/7ff96708-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/7ff96708-en#section-d1e27480
FAO (2016), Developing gender-sensitive value chains: A guiding framework., Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
FAO. 2023. The status of women in agrifood systems. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc5343en
Further reading
Circular Food Innovations: Understanding the Concepts and Application to Aquaculture
The Role of Women in Promoting Positive Food Practices in Africa
