Persistent gender inequalities within African food systems significantly hinder food security and community well-being, as women, who constitute the backbone of agricultural production and household food provisioning, remain marginalised in decision-making, resource access, and policy development. This chapter explores the crucial role of women in enhancing food security and fostering resilient communities in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The study employs a narrative review to examine existing literature, policies, and grassroots practices, contextualised within the framework of Intersectional feminism theory. This theoretical lens illuminates the intersection of gender, power dynamics, and women’s empowerment, emphasising how women’s empowerment can transform food systems while challenging structural barriers. The findings indicate that women have poor access to land, credit, technology, and agricultural extension services, hindering resilience and triggering food insecurity. The study highlights successful localised strategies in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, such as women-led cooperatives and institutions, demonstrating the transformative potential of inclusive food systems. Recommendations centre on policy reforms to secure women’s land rights, gender-sensitive agricultural programs, and participatory governance structures that amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes. The chapter underscores the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with solidarity networks to enhance women’s leadership in sustainable farming practices. Empowering women in African food systems presents a pathway to dismantling systemic injustices and realising lasting resilience.

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Empowering Women in African Food Systems: A Pathway to Enhanced Food Security and Community Well-Being

  • Winnet Hokoza

摘要

Persistent gender inequalities within African food systems significantly hinder food security and community well-being, as women, who constitute the backbone of agricultural production and household food provisioning, remain marginalised in decision-making, resource access, and policy development. This chapter explores the crucial role of women in enhancing food security and fostering resilient communities in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The study employs a narrative review to examine existing literature, policies, and grassroots practices, contextualised within the framework of Intersectional feminism theory. This theoretical lens illuminates the intersection of gender, power dynamics, and women’s empowerment, emphasising how women’s empowerment can transform food systems while challenging structural barriers. The findings indicate that women have poor access to land, credit, technology, and agricultural extension services, hindering resilience and triggering food insecurity. The study highlights successful localised strategies in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, such as women-led cooperatives and institutions, demonstrating the transformative potential of inclusive food systems. Recommendations centre on policy reforms to secure women’s land rights, gender-sensitive agricultural programs, and participatory governance structures that amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes. The chapter underscores the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with solidarity networks to enhance women’s leadership in sustainable farming practices. Empowering women in African food systems presents a pathway to dismantling systemic injustices and realising lasting resilience.