The Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems 2026 (GCWAS–2026) was held at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Convention Centre in New Delhi. The three-day international conference brought together over 700 delegates, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, development professionals, women farmers, start-ups, and students from India and across the world.
The event served as a global platform to discuss women’s empowerment, leadership, and innovation in agri-food systems.
- Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems 2026 (GCWAS–2026) Theme: “Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights”
- The conference coincided with the International Year of Women Farmers (2026).
Organisers
The conference was organised through collaboration among major agricultural institutions.
| Organisation | Role |
| Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) | Host institution |
| Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences | Co-organiser |
| CGIAR | Global research partner |
| Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority | Institutional partner |
Several other national and international partner organisations also collaborated. The conference saw wide participation from multiple sectors.
Stakeholders involved
- Agricultural scientists and researchers
- Policymakers and development experts
- Women farmers and farmer organisations
- Start-ups and entrepreneurs
- Industry representatives
- NGOs and international organisations
- Students and youth leaders
A total of 18 countries participated, reflecting the global relevance of the conference.
Focus Areas of the Conference
GCWAS–2026 focused on strengthening the role of women across the agri-food value chain.
Major Themes
- Women’s leadership in agriculture and food systems
- Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship
- Gender-transformative agricultural innovations
- Policy reforms and institutional support
- Scaling successful models across agri-food systems
The discussions explored practical pathways to enhance women’s participation and leadership in agriculture globally.
Key Recommendations
The conference generated several recommendations to improve women’s role in agriculture.
1. Leadership and Policy Engagement
Participants emphasized:
- Encouraging women to take leadership roles in science, policy and development
- Promoting science-based policy frameworks
- Supporting impact-driven agricultural research
2. Integrated Development Approach
Delegates stressed the importance of linking agriculture with other sectors.
Key focus areas included:
- Agriculture
- Nutrition
- Public health
- Environmental sustainability
The discussions also supported the One Health framework, which recognises the connection between human, animal, and environmental health.
3. Women’s Economic Empowerment
The conference highlighted the need to strengthen women’s participation in agricultural value chains.
Key suggestions included:
- Simplifying regulatory processes in seed value chains
- Enabling women farmers to transition from custodians to entrepreneurs
- Expanding access to credit, finance, and markets
- Supporting women-led agricultural enterprises
4. Institutional Convergence
Participants recommended stronger coordination among:
- Government programmes
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Private sector organisations
This convergence would help create integrated support systems and improved market access for women farmers.
5. Role of Universities
Universities were identified as innovation hubs.
Key functions include:
- Agricultural innovation
- Incubation and start-up support
- Entrepreneurship development
- Skill development for women in agriculture
6. Gender Equality in Agriculture
The conference emphasised the need to:
- Mainstream gender equality in agricultural policies
- Ensure women’s land rights
- Improve access to productive resources
- Develop women-friendly agricultural technologies
7. Strengthening Extension and Digital Access
Participants highlighted:
- Gender-responsive agricultural extension systems
- Bridging the digital divide in rural areas
- Localised digital advisory platforms for women farmers
- Digital literacy programmes
8. Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Delegates emphasised the importance of:
- Climate-resilient farming practices
- Sustainable agricultural technologies
- Non-farm livelihood opportunities
- Gender-responsive impact measurement systems
Global Partnerships and Outcomes
GCWAS–2026 served as a global dialogue platform bringing together policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and women leaders.
Outcomes
- Sharing of successful initiatives and best practices
- Exchange of research insights and innovations
- Strengthening international partnerships
- Informing future policy directions on gender-responsive agriculture