Women Farmers Take Center Stage as RRI, Partners Mark International Year of Women Farmers

Monrovia, Liberia: The Reform for Rural Initiative (RRI), in collaboration with the Multi-Actor Platform on Land Governance and Responsible Agricultural Investment in Liberia (MAP Liberia Land Platform) and other partners, is commemorating the 2026 International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF) with a focus on empowering rural women farmers in country.

The week-long observance kicked off June 5, 2026, and will run up to June 13, 2026. This year's observance is held under the theme, “Empowering Women Farmers for a Sustainable Food System.” The initiative is receiving technical and financial support from the MAP Liberia Land Platform and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Organizers say the celebration is bringing together women farmers, local leaders, government representatives, and development partners to promote dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and practical support for women engaged in agriculture.

Activities planned for the week include community awareness campaigns, town hall meetings, stakeholder engagements, and the distribution of agricultural resources to women-led farming groups in rural communities across Districts 4 and 5 of Margibi County.

According to RRI, the initiative seeks to amplify the voices of women farmers, highlight the challenges they face, and increase awareness of their rights, opportunities, and contributions to Liberia’s food system.

The program will also encourage community-driven solutions to improve women's participation and leadership in agriculture.

An estimated 118 participants are expected to take part in two town hall meetings, while awareness campaigns are projected to reach between 300 and 400 smallholder farmers in targeted communities.

The observance will also serve as an advocacy platform, encouraging government institutions, development partners, and stakeholders to invest in resources and support systems that strengthen women’s role in agriculture.

Multiple reports indicate that women remain at the heart of agricultural production, food processing, and rural trade, yet many continue to face barriers in accessing land, financing, technology, education, and decision-making opportunities.

The International Year of Women Farmers 2026 highlights the critical role women play in food security, rural livelihoods, and community resilience while calling for greater action to close gender gaps across agricultural value chains.

Advocates believe that empowering women farmers can boost productivity, strengthen climate resilience, improve household welfare, and contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The global observance of IYWF 2026 runs throughout the first half of the year and with the objective of promoting inclusive agricultural development by recognizing and supporting the contributions of women farmers worldwide.