Agriculture is more than just a sector in East Africa: it is the backbone of the region’s economies. In Kenya for instance, about 80 percent of the workforce participates in farming or food processing, while in Tanzania, the sector contributes nearly $13.9 billion to the GDP. Overall, it accounts for nearly 30 percent of GDP in the region and employs over 60 percent of the population. It is vital to develop and implement innovative interventions that support the development of the sector.

It is widely recognised that women constitute the bulk of productive labour in agriculture. However, the domestic responsibilities they bear at the household level often preclude them from opportunities to build their capacity to earn incomes and contribute to other economic development activities.

Agriculture remains an important source of livelihood for most Africans, but the sector is not fulfilling its potential. The persistent gender gap in farming activities is a major obstacle to agricultural growth and development in the continent.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), about two-thirds of the developing world’s rural population live in small farm households, working on land plots smaller than 2 hectares. Majority are poor and food insecure, partly because they do not have access to improved, quality seeds that can halt hunger and tolerate climate change shocks and stresses.