Meet the women who shape agricultural research, policy

Prof Mary Abukutsa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Production and Extension at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

The gender gap when it comes to access of land, uptake of technology, fertiliser and markets has always been unfavourable for women not just in Kenya, but globally. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that if womenwere given the same access as men, yields on their farms would increase by about 30 per cent, and world hunger would reduce by close to 15 per cent. However, the reality of the disparity exists, and it is even greater among women in agricultural research. Smart Harvest sampled a few notable women in research to talk about their research, input and the lessons they have learnt.

“Mama Mboga” with a PhD: Mary Abukutsa on doing research in indigenous vegetables.