Meet the women working for a just rural transition

With women constituting 43 percent of the global agricultural labour force, a just rural transition simply cannot happen without their complete and meaningful inclusion. This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating some of women working to make that transition a reality. JUDY MATU Judy Matu is the Founder and National Executive Chair of the Association … Continued

We cannot solve food insecurity with quick fixes

As we take stock after World Food Day last weekend, we must recognize that our food systems are under immense strain: the climate and energy crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global political instability are all taking their toll. Right now, the Horn of Africa is suffering a historic drought, with at least 22 million people … Continued

As agriculture takes centre stage at COP27, we must listen to farmers

As the impacts of the climate crisis grow more pressing with each year, the UN’s annual climate change conference – better known as COP – is greeted with increasing anticipation. This year, Egypt, as the host of COP27, has announced an entire day focused on adaptation and agriculture. This is both fitting and long overdue. … Continued

Growing organic: bridging the gap between farmers and society  

I like to say that I was first trained by earthworms. And now, I like to think that I am taking that training to other farmers, and to society.  When I started vermicomposting on my family’s conventional grain farm in Austria about 25 years ago, my motivation was to have a lucrative business opportunity — … Continued

Power, Policy, and Redefining Innovation: A Discussion with Ishmael Sunga

Ishmael Sunga is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU). A Zimbabwean national, Ishmael Sunga has more than 30 years’ wide-ranging experience in agriculture and rural development, including in policy research, advocacy, and development management. He became SACAU’s CEO in 2005, two years after the establishment of its … Continued