MONROVIA, June 4, 2026 — The Reform for Rural Initiative (RRI), in collaboration with the MAP Liberia Land Platform, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and other partners, will observe the International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF) from June 5–13, 2026, with activities centered in Margibi County.
Celebrated under the theme “Empowering Women Farmers for a Sustainable Food System,” the program will highlight the contributions of women in Liberia’s agriculture sector while addressing persistent inequalities that limit their access to land, finance, and decision-making.
Focus on Rural Margibi
This year’s observance will concentrate on Districts 4 and 5 of Margibi County, where women farmers will participate in town hall meetings, awareness campaigns, and market dialogues. Organizers expect direct involvement of 118 participants and outreach to 300–400 smallholder farmers.
The initiative aims to strengthen women-led cooperatives by improving access to farming tools, fostering youth engagement, and promoting community-driven solutions that enhance women’s participation in agriculture.
The program will amplify women’s voices through inclusive community dialogues, raising awareness of their rights and opportunities while advocating for greater representation in agricultural governance. Organizers emphasize that empowering women farmers is critical to building sustainable food systems and advancing Liberia’s development agenda.
Global Context
The International Year of Women Farmers 2026, observed globally from January to June, underscores the essential role women play in food production, processing, and trade. It calls for collective action to close gender gaps, strengthen livelihoods, and promote women’s leadership across agrifood value chains.
Advocates note that closing these gaps enhances household well-being, boosts productivity, strengthens resilience to climate change, and supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By aligning with the global observance, Liberia’s partners aim to spotlight the role of women farmers in sustaining communities and economies. The collaboration between RRI, MAP Liberia Land Platform, FAO, and the Ministry of Agriculture reflects a shared commitment to inclusive agricultural development and gender equality.
