Today, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, industries like entertainment, fashion, and beauty take center stage. But what about the women shaping the future of agriculture, the ones leveraging technology, combating food waste, and building businesses that nourish entire nations?
Across the globe, women are not just working the land; they’re redefining it. From pioneering drought-resistant crop solutions to leading regenerative farming initiatives, they are proving that agriculture isn’t just a man’s world. These women are creating jobs, championing sustainability, and disrupting an industry that has long overlooked their contributions.
Their innovations span from precision farming to eco-friendly food processing, from revolutionising beekeeping to harnessing AI for smarter yields. Let’s explore their stories and see how they’re rewriting the future, one harvest, one hive, and one breakthrough at a time.
Women Leading Change in Agritech
Agriculture isn’t just about fields and tractors anymore. It’s where technology, innovation, and fierce determination collide, and women are leading the charge. Forget the outdated stereotypes. These women aren’t waiting for a seat at the table; they’re building their own tables, disrupting the agritech space, and proving that the future of farming isn’t just male-dominated. Curious? Let’s meet the women turning agritech into the next frontier of innovation and impact.
Claire van Enk: Tackling Food Waste, One Imperfect Crop at a Time
Kenya’s food waste problem is staggering. Farmers discard perfectly edible produce because it doesn’t meet cosmetic standards. Claire van Enk saw this as an opportunity rather than a setback. She co-founded Farm to Feed, a revolutionary platform that aggregates surplus and “imperfect” produce, creating a fresh market demand. Through a digital marketplace, Farm to Feed connects farmers to buyers, ensuring that nutritious food reaches consumers instead of landfills. The result? Lower food waste, higher farmer incomes, and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Claire’s work is proof that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Ifeyinwa Ogar: Making Grocery Shopping Affordable and Nutritious
For middle-income families in Nigeria, grocery shopping can be an overwhelming and costly task. Ifeyinwa Ogar stepped up with a solution. She founded Roki Foods Ltd, a food processing and bundling company that offers convenient, nutritious, and cost-effective food packages. With her banking and economics background, she identified a gap in the market and built a business that simplifies food buying while ensuring affordability. Through bulk purchasing and strategic packaging, Roki Foods is helping families stretch their budgets without compromising on quality.
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Hadija Jabiri: Empowering Tanzanian Farmers with Profitable Horticulture
Tanzania’s smallholder farmers often face challenges accessing markets and maximising yields. Hadija Jabiri changed that narrative by founding Eat Fresh, a horticultural company that equips farmers with knowledge, resources, and profitable market access. Her mission is simple: turn agricultural production into a sustainable and profitable venture. Under her leadership, Eat Fresh provides training, financial linkages, and agronomic support, ensuring that small-scale farmers don’t just survive but thrive. Hadija’s vision is transforming agriculture into a wealth-building sector for thousands.
Rozelle Abramson: Transforming South African Produce with Value-Added Processing
In 1996, Rozelle Abramson saw potential in what others considered food waste. Instead of letting red peppers go to compost, she created Chilli Ginger Jam, the first of many innovative products under her company, Fynbos Fine Foods. Today, her agro-processing business turns ethically grown South African produce into high-quality, natural, and vegan-friendly products. From humble beginnings, Fynbos Fine Foods has grown into a powerhouse, employing over 130 people and proving that food innovation can drive both sustainability and economic growth.
Jane Maigua: Leading Kenya’s Macadamia Revolution
Macadamia farming in Kenya holds immense potential, but farmers often struggle to access lucrative global markets. Jane Maigua took charge by leading Exotic EPZ, a macadamia processing and export company that bridges the gap between smallholder farmers and international buyers. Under her leadership, Exotic EPZ has expanded its reach to USA, Spain, Germany, and China. The company employs over 100 workers—85% of them women—and sources from more than 5,000 smallholder farmers. Beyond business, Jane is committed to sustainability, using solar energy to power operations and launching macadamia tree-planting initiatives for carbon sequestration.
Yvette Tetteh: Transforming Ghana’s Fresh Fruit into Premium Dried Snacks
Yvette Tetteh saw an opportunity in Ghana’s fresh fruit sector and turned it into an impactful business. She co-founded The Pure and Just Company, known for its Yvaya Farm brand, which transforms fresh fruit into high-quality, tropical dried snacks. Her venture doesn’t just reduce food waste—it creates jobs and adds value to Ghana’s agribusiness sector. With analytical thinking and an unwavering drive, Yvette has secured over $170,000 in funding to scale her operations, proving that a strong business model can drive both profit and social impact.
Pauline Otila: Revolutionizing Beekeeping for Food Security in Kenya
Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions face food insecurity, but Pauline Otila found an unlikely solution—bees. She founded Apiculture Venture Limited, a social enterprise that transforms beekeeping into a tool for economic empowerment. Through modern beekeeping techniques, Pauline trains local communities, particularly women and youth, to build sustainable livelihoods. Her initiative boosts honey production, enhances pollination, and contributes to food security, making a real difference in some of Kenya’s most vulnerable areas.
The Future of Agritech Is Female
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, these trailblazers remind us that investing in women-led agritech isn’t just good for business, it’s essential for a more sustainable and food-secure future. Their ingenuity is driving economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and food security for millions. But their success shouldn’t be the exception, it should be the norm.
So, as we celebrate today, let’s move beyond applause and into action. Let’s support, fund, and amplify the voices of women in agritech because when they thrive, we all do. The future of agriculture is female, and it’s already here.
