The Voice of Women in the Development of Agriculture (VOWDA), in collaboration with IITA, organized a two-day virtual symposium on 14 and 15 October to commemorate World Food Day and the International Day of Rural Women. The event brought stakeholders together to discuss challenges facing women in rural areas, agriculture, and value chains; and proffered possible sustainable policy solutions to policymakers.
The event, “Capacity building for women-in-agriculture and smallholder farmers,” had key players in attendance discussing how to bridge gaps existing along the agricultural scientists‑rural farmers link with a particular focus on women.
In her welcome address, Dr Yemisi Jeff-Agboola, Founder and President of VOWDA, said one of the challenges affecting food security in Africa is the low number of women scientists involved in agricultural research. “We will need the best and brightest minds coming up with food security solutions, including promoting the important contributions of women agricultural scientists, as women and girls are a vital force for rural economies,” she said.