NAIROBI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Gender experts from Africa began a three-day conference in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Tuesday to strengthen the participation of women and other marginalized groups in agriculture and food systems.

The conference, which is co-hosted by the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and other partners, brought together more than 100 diverse participants with extensive experience in gender equality and women's empowerment in agriculture and food systems.

In his opening remarks, Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, principal secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said women deserve better since they play a pivotal role in agriculture, producing much of the world's food, preserving traditional knowledge, and sustaining rural economies.

"We envision a continent where women's voices are at the forefront of building sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems," Ronoh told the delegates, including United Nations officials, farmers, policymakers, researchers, activists, and change-makers.

Ronoh said strengthening women's voices is a fundamental necessity for achieving food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development, and not just a matter of gender equity.

He called on African governments to work together to build a future in which women are not only heard but lead the transformation of food systems.

Ronoh observed that over the years, women, girls, and other marginalized groups have faced challenges in achieving full, equal, and meaningful participation in policy, programming, and decision-making processes. "There is an urgent need for a collective global effort to achieve comprehensive gender equality in agriculture and food systems."

"Strengthening women's voices in agri-food systems is not just an option, but a necessity. Governments, businesses, researchers, and communities must work together to remove barriers, invest in women-led solutions, and create inclusive spaces where women can lead," he added.

Ronoh called for moving beyond dialogue and commitment to real action, the development of policies that support women farmers, investment in their businesses, and platforms that amplify their expertise and leadership.

The conference also aims to amplify women's voices by ensuring their perspectives in shaping policies, innovations, and agricultural practices; sharing knowledge and best practices; and advocating for policy and systemic change to ensure that women's leadership in agriculture is recognized and supported at all levels. Enditem

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