Millions of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s and Africa’s food production, will need such support to feed tens of millions who struggle with food access. The disruptions caused by the Russia–Ukraine War exposed Africa’s vulnerability, as many states depended on imported grains, fertilizers, and agro-processing inputs from abroad. With global supply chains strained, African governments were compelled to reassess their food production systems and prioritize domestic agricultural resilience.

A major feature of agriculture across Africa is the land tenure system, which often results in food being produced on smallholder farms. Because land is generally held by families, clans, or communities, large-scale industrial farming is less common. Instead, the bulk of the continent’s food, between 60% and 80% in many countries, comes from smallholder farmers cultivating small plots. Strengthening this sub-sector is therefore indispensable for improving food security.

Most importantly, women constitute most of the labor force in smallholder agriculture throughout Africa. Women plant, weed, harvest, and process food crops, often balancing these demanding tasks with household and caregiving responsibilities. In regions such as the Akan communities in Ghana, women are traditionally recognized as landowners, giving them direct authority over agricultural decisions and food production practices.

Even in highly patriarchal societies where landownership and decision-making are dominated by men, women remain central to food production. They perform much of the farm labour and manage household food supplies. Their knowledge of local soils, seeds, and indigenous farming methods makes them key drivers of agricultural continuity and resilience. Despite their contributions, they often face structural disadvantages.

Women also play essential roles in the movement of food from farms to markets.  They transport harvested produce to local markets, where “market women” or “middle women” from urban areas buy in bulk and distribute the goods across cities. This informal supply chain, nominated almost entirely by women, ensures that food grown in rural communities reaches millions of urban consumers.

What governments could do

Given that women dominate food production and distribution in Africa, any meaningful effort to address food insecurity must prioritize empowering them. Governments must recognize women not merely as contributors but as central actors within the agricultural sector. Empowerment begins with ensuring that they have access to the right knowledge, skills, and tools to improve productivity.

Workshops and training programs should be organized to teach women modern farming techniques and sustainable agricultural practices. Training could cover improved seed selection, climate-smart farming, soil conservation, irrigation methods, and effective pest management. With better knowledge and tools, women farmers can significantly increase yields and reduce crop losses.

Such interventions would not only boost output but also reduce pre- and post-harvest losses, which remain a major challenge in Africa. Poor storage facilities, inadequate preservation methods, and lack of market access often led to 30%–40% of food being lost before it reaches consumers. Empowered women, equipped with modern methods, can drastically reduce these losses and increase the continent’s overall food supply.

Financial support is even more crucial, as millions of women farmers across Africa struggle to access credit. Loans are difficult to secure because many women lack collateral, often due to discriminatory land ownership systems. Financial institutions also consider agricultural loans too risky, especially small-scale farmers. Without capital, women cannot purchase seeds, fertilizers, or equipment needed to improve their productivity.

To address this barrier, governments can leverage financial technology (FinTech) to support women farmers directly. Through mobile money platforms, which are widely used across Africa, funds can be transferred safely and efficiently without the need for traditional banking structures. Mobile wallets enable governments and development partners to deliver subsidies, grants, and loans that women can use for purchasing inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and tools.

When combined with direct provision of farm inputs, FinTech support can help reverse the worsening food security crisis. It reduces corruption, guarantees that funds reach the intended recipients, and empowers women with financial independence. This approach can stimulate productivity and foster long-term agricultural stability.

Africa possesses vast tracts of fertile and arable land that should reduce its dependence on imported food. To fully harness this potential, the continent must support the people who labor on these lands, most of whom are women. Empowering women is therefore not just a gender-focused initiative; it is a strategic investment in Africa’s food future. Strengthening the human resources behind agriculture is ultimately one of the surest ways to achieve lasting food security.

Private Sector Solutions

In addition to government-led initiatives, the private sector has a crucial role to play in empowering women farmers and strengthening food security across Africa. Private companies, ranging from agribusiness firms to financial institutions and technology startups, possess the innovation, capital, and operational experience needed to transform smallholder agriculture at scale. Their involvement can accelerate progress, introduce modern efficiency, and offer women farmers opportunities that government systems alone may struggle to provide.