Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies (AgSys)
Overview
Our goal under this project is to strengthen transformation processes towards sustainable agricultural systems for women and youth through capacity building and policy advocacy. We employ a multi-dimensional approach that will influence and empower women and youth in agrifood systems.
What the project addresses
Despite contributing significantly to the agricultural sector, women and youth rarely own or control agricultural resources, have limited access to credit and financing, and remain underrepresented in both formal and informal decision-making structures. This exclusion is further compounded by the prohibitive costs and logistical barriers associated with accessing justice through the formal court system. Although informal justice mechanisms are comparatively more accessible, they are often heavily influenced by traditional and cultural norms that discriminate against women and youth.
Interventions
- Published a training-of-trainers manual on the legal aspects of agriculture and food systems in Kenya.
- Trained 35 gender change agents who have applied their legal knowledge to reach over 1,600 persons within their communities.
- Provided free legal aid to 257 persons, comprising of 208 women and 85 youth, on agri-food systems and land rights in relation to inheritance, governance, carbon credits & land rights.
Interventions
- Supported 126 women and youth to participate in law-making processes in relation to the Climate Change Act (Carbon Trading & Non-Market Approaches) Regulations 2025, Seeds and Plant Varieties Bill 2025, Cooperatives Bill and livestock production and Sustainability Bill 2023.
- Submitted stakeholder comments on community inclusion in decision making on climate change projects were incorporated into the final Climate Change (Non-Market Approaches) Regulations 2026, reflecting meaningful public participation.
- Collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to coordinate a technical linkage group for women and youth in agri-food systems.
- Conducted a gender responsiveness audit on agrifood systems laws and policies.
- Conducted public awareness campaigns via radio and social media on legal issues affecting women and youth in agri-food systems.
