From monitoring to impact: how evidence is driving youth agripreneurship
PlantwisePlus works with partners to help farmers protect their crops and livelihoods, strengthening plant health systems. By integrating capacity development, digital advisory tools, and evidence-based decision-making, the programme is creating more resilient agricultural systems. These systems are better equipped to respond to evolving pest and disease threats.
How can AI tools bridge the gender gap for women farmers?
AI tools have the potential to close the gender gap for women farmers. Women contribute around 40% of all agricultural labour but achieve around 23% less productivity compared to men. This is due to many constraints, from a lack of access to credit, inputs, and land, to gender norms that prevent women from accessing agricultural knowledge, skills, and tools.
Employment pathways and business models that empower African youth engagement in agriculture
Unemployment remains a significant issue faced by young people worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in particular, the youth unemployment rate is 10.17% meaning that one in ten 15-24 year-olds cannot find work. Young women and vulnerable youth, in particular, face societal barriers that limit their job opportunities. Underemployment (i.e. not having a job that matches…
Advancing gender-inclusive agricultural advisory services in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, agriculture forms the backbone of rural communities. It employs nearly two-thirds of the workforce, many of whom are women. However, the sector faces significant threats from plant health challenges, including devastating crop pests such as invasive fall armyworm. Moreover, the threats disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, especially women. At 58%, women make up an…
Women farmers in Ghana empowered by radio campaign
Women farmers in Ghana face significant barriers to accessing agricultural extension services. Many women in low- and middle-income countries face similar challenges. The services are often designed for men and give them an advantage when it comes to farming productivity. Conversely, with a lack of access to extension services, women farmers on average produce 20-30%…
Youth leading Africa’s food future: Meet Mary Mueni, a young Kenyan at the forefront of agribusiness innovation
We meet Mary Mueni in May 2025, in Wote Nziu, Makueni County, Kenya, where she is leading a hands-on training with mango farmers. The topic is climate-smart technologies, and she is in her element. She moves confidently among the group, breaking down complex ideas into simple and relatable terms. Every so often, she pauses to…
From field to farm: How digital innovation is transforming precision agriculture in Uganda
Celebrating youth innovation on International Youth Day In Uganda’s agricultural landscape, farmers once relied on traditional tools for agriculture. An incredible digital shift is changing their lives for the better. Farmers in Luwero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, and Mukono are now adopting digital tools developed by PlantwisePlus to optimize crop production and their resource investments, such as…
Male champions of gender equality – how are they supporting women’s empowerment in Zambia?
Male champions of gender equality are helping to empower women in Zambia. Meet Sibajene Mudenda – an agricultural economist with the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI). He is a strong advocate of women’s empowerment and a male champion of gender equality. Until now, he has concentrated on applying technology in agriculture. But recently, to complement…
Empowering a continent: How youth and cooperatives are revolutionizing agriculture in East Africa
Across Kenya and Uganda, a transformative movement is reshaping the agricultural landscape, driven by the dynamic partnership between rural youth and established cooperative societies.
Empowering women farmers in Pakistan with pest control knowledge
Women farmers in Pakistan play a central role in the country’s economy. However, many struggle to access essential information about sustainable farming approaches. Women make up nearly 66% of the agricultural workforce in Pakistan. Yet they receive very little agricultural extension advice. This lack of support creates serious challenges, particularly when it comes to managing…