News

Women are less represented and progress more slowly in agricultural research than men. CORAF, in collaboration with the AICCRA project (Accelerating the Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa), has initiated a regional meeting from March 20 to 24, 2023 in Dakar to develop the knowledge and skills needed to advance women in agricultural research and development in the context of climate adaptation and mitigation. Over the course of a week, more than 25 leading women researchers in the fields of agriculture and climate research, from various countries across the continent, took part in this high-profile regional training event.

Speaking at the workshop on women's leadership in agriculture and climate research held in Dakar, Dr Mariame Maïga, regional gender advisor at CORAF, lamented the fact that the potential of women scientists to contribute to the climate change debate and find solutions, while influencing policies, is under-exploited.

" According to various data and reports, women accounted for only 25% of agronomists in Africa over the last decade, and a much smaller proportion of decision-makers in agriculture and climate change at institutional, national and global levels. And this situation has not improved significantly in recent years ", she insisted.

For Prof Robert Zougmoré, regional coordinator for climate change, agriculture and food security at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), there is a crying lack of women leaders in decision-making spheres and even in research into agriculture and climate change. " Our aim is therefore to encourage women involved in this field to assume their responsibilities through appropriate and specific training that will help them to become decision-makers ", explained Prof Zougmoré.

This regional workshop on women's leadership in agriculture and climate research is a crucial step towards greater gender equality and strengthening the role of women in agriculture. By supporting their experience and promoting their career progression, this event is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment, enabling women to contribute their expertise and play an active role in agricultural and climate research. Moreover, by closing this gender gap, Africa will be able to meet the growing food needs of its population.

CORAF and the "Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa" (AICCRA) project are working together to advance women in agricultural and climate research, by strengthening their skills and providing them with leadership opportunities.