As part of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) and AgroSpectrum Asia's global initiative marking the International Year of Women Farmers, this second webinar – on women farmers in research and innovation – brings together voices from across continents to honour and elevate the evolving story of women in agriculture – one that has too often been overlooked, yet has always been essential.

The session explored the central role of women in transforming agriculture and food systems, arguing that women are not only food producers but also innovators, knowledge custodians, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are helping agriculture respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, market volatility, and technological change.

The webinar emphasised that the future of sustainable agriculture depends on partnerships – across genders, generations, institutions, disciplines, and regions – to create more resilient and inclusive agrifood systems.

Discussions focused on how women are bridging traditional agricultural knowledge with scientific research and innovation, strengthening community resilience, promoting climate adaptation, and connecting policy with farmers' realities.

Speakers shared examples of women-led innovation in farming, seed conservation, research, agri-business, and international agricultural partnerships. The webinar also examined practical approaches for integrating gender inclusion into agricultural policy, fostering collaboration across the agricultural value chain, and supporting the next generation of women agri-leaders.

Speakers:

• Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg – Managing Director for Africa, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and one of the World Food Prize Foundation's 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers; addressed women's leadership, institutional change, and inclusive agricultural innovation across Africa.
• Joanna Kane-Potaka – Executive Secretary, GFAiR – spoke on the importance of equitable partnerships and women-led agricultural transformation.
• Carlo Fadda – Research Director, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT; discussed the role of agricultural biodiversity, research, and partnerships in building resilient food systems.
• Evalyne Okoth – Woman farmer engaged in research; shared practical experiences from farming and community-based agricultural innovation.
• Moderator: Suchetana Choudhury Goswami – Guided the discussion on women's leadership, partnerships, and agricultural transformation.

�� Call to Action

We welcome nominations for inspiring speakers for the webinar series on women farmers engaged in research and innovation. If you know a woman whose work embodies partnership, resilience, and impact, we would love to hear from you.

�� Send nominations to: gfair.secretariat@gfair.network