BRIDGING THE GAP: Policy Innovations to Put Women at the Center of Food Systems Transformation in Africa – by the Malabo Montpellier Panel delves into an Africa-wide analysis of the status of women in Africa's agrifood systems to propose further actions to position women at the center of food system change. Women are pivotal to transforming Africa's agrifood systems and achieving job, growth, and health agendas. However, women's capacity to contribute to efficient, resilient, and sustainable food systems is severely curbed by social and systemic challenges. Women are often prevented from being active leaders and shapers of their food environment, resulting in limited access to land, inputs, technology, information, finance, and employment opportunities. Gender inequality is both a cause and a consequence of food insecurity.

This report provides a regional focus on the status of women in Africa’s food systems, with emphasis on public efforts contributing to women’s agency and empowerment. The Action Agenda presented by the Malabo Montpellier Panel draws on the experiences of four countries - Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, and Togo - to highlight some key factors underlying their success.