Women play a vital role in Kenya’s potato industry, contributing significantly to production, farm management, and household food security. Across major potato-growing regions, women are deeply involved in planting, crop management, harvesting, and marketing, making them key drivers of the sector’s growth. Women make up an estimated 60–80 percent of Kenya’s agricultural workforce.

Globally, this contribution is gaining greater recognition. On 4 December 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization announced that 2026 will be observed as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, under the theme “Empowered Women, Transforming Agrifood Systems.”

Women Driving Change in the Potato Value Chain

Within the potato value chain, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles not only as farmers but also as extension officers, researchers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and value chain coordinators. One such example is Florence Malemba, an agricultural officer in Nakuru County who works closely with farmers to promote improved agronomic practices and strengthen extension services. Her work, recently featured in the January 2026 issue of Badger Common’Tater, a World Potato Congress media partner — highlights the critical role women play in connecting farmers with knowledge, innovation, and market opportunities.

Strengthening Support for Women Farmers

As the world marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer, stakeholders across the agricultural sector are encouraged to strengthen support systems for women farmers, improving access to training, finance, technology, and markets. NPCK continues to support inclusive development within the potato value chain, recognising that empowering women farmers is essential for the sustainable growth of the sector.