FAO discusses strengthening women's role in agrifood systems in Kyrgyzstan

© FAO/Evgeniy Pechurin
28/07/2025

Bishkek – Empowering rural women is central to fulfilling the mission of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to eradicate hunger and ensure food security globally.

Women play critical roles in agrifood systems as farmers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. However, their contributions are often limited by systemic inequalities that impact their working conditions and economic opportunities.

These and other issues were discussed at the FAO conference “Women in Agrifood Systems: Roles, Challenges, and Prospects,” held on 28 July in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The event marked FAO's 80th anniversary and brought together representatives of Kyrgyz government agencies, the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament), farmers, experts, and international organizations to discuss women's key role in ensuring food security and developing climate-resilient agriculture in the country.

Conference participants noted that women, both in rural and urban areas, often have limited access to productive resources and opportunities compared to men, hindering their socio-economic development and reducing the productivity of agrifood systems. Overcoming this inequality is essential to unlocking the full potential of both rural women and agrifood systems.

“Rural women are the backbone of agrifood systems,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan. “Yet they often face systemic barriers that limit their access to resources and opportunities. FAO, together with partners, is working to remove these barriers to create conditions for sustainable and inclusive rural development.”

Participants discussed gender equality in agriculture, including women's access to land resources, credit, and modern technologies. The event also featured an agricultural product fair where women's organizations from across the country showcased their products.

“The state recognizes the importance of supporting women in the agricultural sector,” said Asel Kenenbaeva, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. “We see how FAO projects aimed at expanding the economic opportunities of women's organizations contribute to increased productivity and agricultural sustainability. Our task is to ensure equal access to knowledge, technologies, and financing.”

FAO's experience shows that equal access to resources, education, and technologies not only improves the efficiency of agrifood systems but also strengthens social cohesion in rural communities.

To enhance the capacity of women's civil society organizations and create favorable conditions for their participation in strategic decision-making on climate change adaptation and peacebuilding, FAO, in collaboration with UN Women and the “Rosa Otunbayeva Initiative” Foundation, launched the project “Active Women's Civil Society Organizations Promote Peace in Kyrgyzstan” in 2023 with financial support from the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund.

Thanks to these efforts, women are not only acquiring essential skills but also gaining new economic opportunities and playing a key role in ensuring environmental sustainability. FAO strives to ensure that women farmers are prepared both to adapt to climate change and to lead mitigation efforts.

“Rural women are not just workers, they are leaders who can drive positive change,” said Dinara Ashimova, member of the Jogorku Kenesh and the Committee on Agrarian Policy, Water Resources, Ecology, and Regional Development. “We need to secure their participation in strategic decision-making at local and national levels to ensure our society develops sustainably and equitably.”

Participants unanimously recognized the conference as an effective platform for sharing experiences. The parties agreed to develop successful cooperative models, introduce innovative agricultural technologies designed specifically for women, and improve training programs. These steps aim to expand women's access to essential resources.

Participants from the regions highlighted the issue of registering property rights in women's names. This issue is particularly important for obtaining agricultural loans and addressing other critical legal aspects of agribusiness.

Ahead of the International Year of Women Farmers, which will be observed in 2026, FAO is intensifying efforts to highlight and celebrate the indispensable role of women in agriculture.

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