06 Jan 2026 - 12:22
The Kabul Tribune (KT) - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 to recognize women’s vital yet often overlooked role in global agriculture and to address persistent gender gaps.
Women make up nearly 40% of the world’s agricultural workforce, yet face challenges such as limited access to land, finance, technology, and decision-making. Closing these gaps could boost global GDP by $1 trillion and reduce food insecurity for 45 million people, FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero said.
The campaign, coordinated with IFAD and WFP, will focus on policy reforms, community partnerships, research, and investment to empower women farmers and strengthen agrifood systems. FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol emphasized that efforts will continue beyond 2026 to turn commitments into measurable impact.
In Afghanistan, women also play a significant role in agriculture, and their contributions are essential to family livelihoods and the national economy.
